Application of artificial intelligence techniques in optical tomography combined with endoscopic and endoscopic laser to diagnose esophageal cancer

This is an automatically translated article.

Posted by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

In order to provide accurate assessment and positive treatment direction, bringing high efficiency to patients, currently artificial intelligence techniques in optical tomography combined endoscopy and laser endoscopy have been developed. application in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
Abbreviation:
EC: Esophageal cancer
AI: artificial intelligence
BE: Barrett esophagus

1. Overview of the application of artificial intelligence to gastrointestinal endoscopy

Due to the rapid progression and poor prognosis of esophageal cancer (EC), early detection and diagnosis are of great value in improving the prognosis for patients. However, early endoscopic detection of esophageal cancer, especially Barrett dysplasia or esophageal squamous dysplasia, is difficult. Therefore, the demand for a more effective method to detect early esophageal cancer features has led to in-depth research in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Deep learning and memory techniques (DL) have brought breakthroughs in image processing, video and other aspects, while complex neural networks (CNN) have paved the way for detect high-resolution endoscopic images and videos.

2. Application of Machine learning and Deep learning algorithms in esophageal cancer

The current demand for more effective methods of early detection and characterization of esophageal cancer has led to in-depth studies in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), which can be identified by intelligence. intelligence established by machines as opposed to the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals.
Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are important parts of AI. Machine learning can be divided into supervised and unsupervised methods. Unsupervised learning is to identify groups in data according to commonalities, lacking knowledge of the number of groups or their meanings. When the training package contains input/output pairs, a supervised learning model is required to map the new input to the output. Conventional ML techniques are limited in their ability to process natural data in its raw form. In the early stages of research and development, model training was mainly with ML, through which researchers had to manually extract probable disease features based on clinical knowledge. The power of this computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system is weak and insufficient to be applied in clinical real-time diagnosis.

3. The role of artificial intelligence AI in early esophageal cancer development

3.1 Barrett's dysplasia and early stage esophageal adenocarcinoma AI AI based on white light endoscopy (WLE) and NBI narrowband endoscopy system. There are some limitations to recognizing early cancerous lesions associated with Barrett's esophagus by WLE, a common technology. High-definition WLE (HD-WLE) and the NBI endoscopy system were once considered to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis of early cancerous lesions associated with Barrett's esophagus.

3.2 Role of endoscopic combined optical tomography (EOCT) and endoscopic confocal laser (CLE) AI Artificial Intelligence based on endoscopic optical tomography and confocal laser endoscopy: Beyond WLE and NBI, endoscopic coherent optical tomography (EOCT) and endoscopic confocal laser (CLE) techniques are also used for early diagnosis of EAC/BE-associated dysplasia. EOCT can identify early tumor lesions associated with Barrett's esophagus by analyzing mucosal and submucosal structures of the esophagus. CLE can observe mucosal tissue and cell morphology to achieve optical biopsies. However, the complexity of these two imaging technologies, the time-consuming reading of the images, and the requirement of a senior endoscopist have limited their clinical use.

To solve this problem, Qi et al extracted multiple EOCT imaging features and combined one or more features to classify lesions, but the results were not satisfactory. Then, Swager et al used volumetric laser endoscopic imaging (VLE, integrated with second-generation OCT) for training and testing, and the results showed that the CAD system was superior to the one. VLE experts. Veronese et al used CLE imaging, and the results showed that the system was able to accurately differentiate gastric (GM), intestinal (IM) and neoplasia.

Ghatwary et al showed that the sensitivity of the system using CLE imaging for the diagnosis of IM and cancer was significantly higher than that of the system for the diagnosis of GM. Similarly, the CAD system established by Hong did not identify the GM, the diagnostic sensitivity of IM was not significantly different from the above study, and the sensitivity for cancer diagnosis was also slightly reduced. This may be due to the limited number of GM and neoplastic images. Currently, there is little clinical research in this area and the available images are limited. In the future, more studies are needed to confirm the value of VLE/CLE combined with AI in early diagnosis of EAC.

4. AI real-time diagnosis

Currently, research in this area is limited. Ebigbo et al further optimized the CAD system based on previous research and applied it to clinical real-time detection for the first time. While 14 Barrett cancer patients underwent endoscopic examination, 62 endoscopic images (36 early esophageal carcinomas and 26 non-dysplastic Barrett's esophagus) were taken with the CAD system for real-time classification. , and the results showed sensitivity and specificity of 83.7% and 100%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the system and the experienced endoscopists.
However, there are still some shortcomings in this study. First, the number of patients and images is low. Second, the system still uses images for diagnosis, not video for real-time detection. Finally, AI's ability to aid in lesion delineation and biopsy guidance remains unproven. In addition, the CAD system built by Hashimoto et al. can meet clinical real-time detection needs. Unfortunately, the researchers did not verify the system's performance in real-time diagnostics.

Tokai et al also used unmagnified endoscopic images for analysis and found that the sensitivity of NBI is slightly higher than that of WLE, and the diagnostic performance of the system is better than that of internal experts. soi. Further analysis showed that the accuracy of the CAD system in diagnosing tumors invasive to epithelial, choroidal, and muscular layers EP/LPM and MM is more than 90%, significantly higher than invasive tumor diagnosis. invades the submucosal layer SM1 and SM2. The reason may be that the training image set did not contain a normal esophageal image, and the system confused extra-frame compression and failure to fully extend the esophagus wall for lesion features.

In conclusion, AI artificial intelligence is trying to be used for endoscopic detection, pathological diagnosis, genetic diagnosis and cancer risk prediction of early esophageal cancer. This is useful for endoscopists and pathologists to improve diagnostic accuracy and assist physicians in treatment and follow-up strategies. Boundary lesions of esophageal cancer pathology are still difficult to define which could be the main direction of AI-assisted pathology diagnosis in the future.
Although today's equipment and machines have been developed to help the treatment bring better results. However, the best and safest way we should maintain a healthy lifestyle, diet, and routine health check-ups to detect pathogens early so that timely intervention can be initiated.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is developing screening and early detection services for gastrointestinal cancers that combine clinical and paraclinical examination to bring about the most accurate results possible.
The health check is performed by a team of experts, experienced doctors combined with NBI endoscope with anesthesia. Peripheral blood count (laser counter). Automated prothrombin time test. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) test using an automated machine. General abdominal ultrasound... The application of technology and modern equipment to the examination will give accurate results, make the treatment more effective, and shorten the hospital stay for the patient. core.

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References
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