AGA provides an expert commentary on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the evaluation and management of colorectal polyps, particularly in the context of screening colonoscopies. Key Insights from the Article: AI in Polyp Detection: The article discusses the use of AI in colonoscopy, focusing on computer-aided detection (CADe) and computer-aided diagnosis (CADx). CADe assists endoscopists in detecting polyps during colonoscopy, while CADx aims to accurately predict polyp histology without needing a tissue biopsy. Variability in Adenoma Detection Rates (ADRs): ADRs, which measure the rate at which clinicians detect adenomas during colonoscopies, vary significantly among endoscopists, ranging from 7%…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Key Points of the Collaboration: Exclusive Rights for Ferring: Ferring Pharmaceuticals will have exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize next-generation microbiome-based therapeutics within gastroenterology that arise from this collaboration. Financial Details: The financial specifics of the deal have not been disclosed. Ferring’s Commitment to Gut Microbiome Therapeutics: Carl Bilbo, Senior Vice President of Microbiome at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the company’s long-term mission to maximize the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiome for patient benefit. He highlighted PharmaBiome’s unique technology in identifying and manufacturing defined consortium live microbiome biotherapeutics. PharmaBiome’s Unique Technology Platform: PharmaBiome has developed a technology platform based…
The article from Rock Health, titled “Digital health at the turn of 2024: Tracking developments along the innovation maturity curve,” provides an analysis of the major developments in digital health as we approach the end of 2023. The article uses data to plot these developments along an innovation maturity curve, helping strategy and innovation leaders identify opportunities and competitive pressures. Key Developments Analyzed: The article suggests that 2024 will be a year of recalibration and adjustment in digital health, with continued progress along the innovation maturity curve. It poses questions for leaders in the field regarding capabilities, partnerships, and positioning…
The effectiveness of the ColoSense multitarget stool RNA test in detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) and advanced adenomas. Key Findings: The study demonstrates the potential of the ColoSense multitarget stool RNA test as an effective tool for early detection of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas, particularly in younger individuals who are at average risk.
The partnership focuses on the development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in endoscopy. Key Points from the Article: Expansion of AI in Endoscopy: Medtronic is intensifying its collaboration with Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, a developer of AI software for endoscopy. Cosmo’s GI Genius system, which has FDA clearance, can automatically detect polyps and potential cancerous lesions during colonoscopies, including those that might be missed by the human eye. Financial Details of the Deal: Medtronic’s expansion of the partnership could lead to payments totaling $200 million or more to Cosmo. This includes an upfront payment of $100 million and up to an additional…
The article reports on the ongoing opposition by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and 17 patient advocacy organizations to UnitedHealthcare’s advance notification program. This program, which was implemented earlier in the year, has raised concerns among GI professionals. Key Points from the Article: Concerns Over Patient Care: The AGA and other groups are worried that UnitedHealthcare’s advance notification program could disrupt access to endoscopies and colonoscopies for its 27.4 million commercial beneficiaries. They argue that the program creates significant administrative burdens, slowing down patient care. Advance Notification and Prior Authorization Programs: The article discusses the impact of both the advance…
A study used a risk-advancement period approach incorporating sex and polygenic risk score (PRS) to determine the appropriate starting ages for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. The study found significant differences in the recommended screening age for CRC between men and women. Key Findings: Increased Risk in Men: Men exhibited a 1.6-fold increased risk for CRC occurrence compared to women and reached an equivalent risk for CRC approximately 6 years earlier. Impact of Polygenic Risk Score: The study utilized PRS based on 139 of 140 previously identified CRC-related risk variants. Individuals in the highest PRS decile had double the risk for…
Here are six gastroenterology groups to keep an eye on 2024: Allied Digestive Health has a portfolio of 72 locations and 228 physicians. The company is led by CEO Matthew Devine and backed by private equity firm Assured Healthcare Partners. Earlier this month, the company partnered with Suki, a provider of voice artificial intelligence-powered healthcare solutions. Allied Digestive was among the first practices to use Suki’s ambient note-generation capabilities. Gastro Health has more than 152 locations and 403 physicians. The company is led by CEO Joseph Garcia and backed by private equity firm Omers. Gastro Health acquired Olympia, Wash.-based Gastroenterology…
An international randomized trial conducted on the effectiveness of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) compared to conventional duodenal stenting for palliating malignant gastric outlet obstruction. Key Points from the Article: Superior Outcomes with EUS-GE: The trial showed that EUS-GE led to better outcomes than duodenal stenting. Specifically, the need for reintervention within six months was significantly lower in the EUS-GE group (4%) compared to the duodenal stent group (29%). Additionally, stent patency was longer, and the gastric outlet obstructive score (GOOS) at one month was significantly better in the EUS-GE group. Technical and Training Requirements: Despite its effectiveness, EUS-GE is not…
A cohort study compared glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) with seven other non-GLP-1RA antidiabetic medications among drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes. The study aimed to evaluate the association between GLP-1RAs and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in these patients. Key Findings: Reduced CRC Risk with GLP-1RAs: The study found that GLP-1RAs were associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer compared to other antidiabetic medications like insulin, metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones. This reduced risk was observed in both men and women and was more pronounced in patients with obesity or overweight. Study Methodology: The research…