Artificial intelligence in the war against cancer. The world's only capsule for imaging breast changes begins testing at the National Institute of Oncology in Krakow. Thanks to the device, doctors hope to diagnose cancer in patients faster and better.
The innovative system is at the first stage of clinical evaluation at the National Institute of Oncology in Krakow.
– If the project successfully passes the next stages of research, Poland will undoubtedly become a leader in the field of early detection of breast cancer using artificial intelligence – said Katarzyna Chrobak-Kasprzyk, M.D., Ph.D., from the Krakow Institute of Oncology, at a press conference on Tuesday.
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The originator and initiator of the research, Michał Matuszewski, assured that “it is the only such device in the world.” However, the examination does not replace traditional methods, such as mammography or ultrasound. According to specialists, it may be the first stage, preceding traditional examination methods, in diagnosing breast changes.
The National Institute of Oncology in Krakow is testing the world's only capsule for imaging changes in the breastAILIS
They are training artificial intelligence to recognize cancer
Work on creating the capsule took eight years. In the capsule, which, thanks to the support of scientists, oncologists and artificial intelligence specialists, created the Krakow startup AILIS1.5 thousand people were tested. healthy women. Currently, approximately 300 women with suspected cancer are awaiting examination.
This is a medical experiment that is not only intended to help in the early detection of breast diseases, but also trains artificial intelligence in conducting and summarizing such research. Women who agree to participate in the project also have the opportunity to undergo tests using classic methods, such as ultrasound or mammography. The stage of clinical evaluation of the equipment will last at least another year and if it is successful, the new testing system will be introduced to the market, first in Poland and then abroad. – The first results of assessing the usability of the device are very promising – noted Chrobak-Kasprzyk.
The creators and doctors ensure that the test is safe, non-invasive, painless and non-contact. Its advantages include the lack of ionizing radiation emissions, the speed of the procedure and the result within 10 minutes after leaving the capsule. The method also reduces the need for medical staff – the test result can be remotely consulted with a radiologist.
During the examination, the woman sits on a comfortable chair and the device, after selecting the parameters to suit her weight and height, uses the appropriate position for the examination and then performs 21,000 measurements in 4 minutes. A medical operator is present during the examination.
The National Institute of Oncology in Krakow is testing the world's only capsule for imaging changes in the breastAILIS
They are looking for young women
– Testing with the prototype of the device we have is particularly useful in the case of young women with dense breasts. We strive for such women because 27 percent newly detected cancers concern women under 50 years of age, pointed out Dr. Katarzyna Chrobak-Kasprzyk.
The capsule works based on the proprietary Parametric Dynamic Imaging method using highly advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. Thanks to 21,000 images-measurements taken non-invasively by the device and analyzed by proprietary solutions using artificial intelligence, the doctor has insight into the structure of blood vessels. The oncologist learns that cancer has settled in the breast thanks to the chaotic structure of the vessels that provide the tumor with a blood supply. Unlike mammography and ultrasound, Ailis does not detect an already formed tumor, but a condition in which the tumor is just forming. This allows for rapid implementation of treatment.
The authors of the solution compare Ailis to tracking a lynx in the forest. – We don't see the predator, but we know it is there because we find its traces – explains in an interview with tvn24.pl the co-creator of the project, Dr. Eng. Mateusz Moderhak.
The National Institute of Oncology in Krakow is testing the world's only capsule for imaging changes in the breastAILIS
Breast cancer in Poland. Statistics
Breast cancer is one of the most serious health threats for women in Poland. Every day, 58 Polish women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 17 others die. The detection rate of breast cancer in Poland at an early stage is 41%, which is one of the lowest results in Europe. In total, according to National Health Fund data, approximately 20,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
According to information provided at Tuesday's press conference, Poland has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the European Union.
As he informs on his website National Health Fundin Poland, breast cancer accounts for approximately 23-25 percent of cancer cases in women. The disturbing symptoms include: discharge from the nipple, swollen veins, dimplings, redness, lumps and other deformities. However, in the initial stage, this cancer does not cause any symptoms, which is why prevention is so important – if detected early, the disease is curable.
Main photo source: AILIS