A large real-world study from China found that AI-assisted upper endoscopy nearly doubled the detection of high-risk gastric lesions (HrGLs), including early gastric cancer and gastric dysplasia. After matching more than 15,500 patients, researchers reported a HrGL detection rate of 0.94% with AI assistance versus 0.48% without AI, representing a nearly 2-fold improvement. The benefit was observed across multiple lesion types, including early gastric cancer, and was particularly pronounced when AI was used by experienced endoscopists and during sedated procedures. The findings add to growing evidence that AI can enhance lesion detection beyond colonoscopy, suggesting a potential role in improving…
Author: Abhay Panchal
Gastroenterology continues to evolve rapidly as advances in colorectal cancer prevention, inflammatory bowel disease research, microbiome science and outpatient digestive care reshape the specialty. Across the U.S., gastroenterologists are leading breakthroughs in clinical research, patient education, quality improvement and healthcare policy while helping improve outcomes for millions of patients with digestive diseases. The following physicians stand out for their clinical expertise, scientific contributions and leadership in gastroenterology.
Unio Health Partners has partnered with Thesis Care to deploy AI-powered care team agents across its urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology practices, which collectively serve more than 500,000 patients annually. The AI agents will support workflows such as care gap closure, patient engagement, and prior authorizations, aiming to expand clinical capacity without increasing administrative burden on physicians and staff. Unlike standalone AI tools, the Thesis model combines AI agents with human clinical teams to complete operational tasks within existing healthcare workflows. The partnership highlights a growing trend in specialty care: using AI not for diagnosis or procedures, but to automate…
Amplified Sciences is developing an ultra-sensitive diagnostic platform aimed at improving the early detection and risk stratification of pancreatic cysts, a key challenge in preventing pancreatic cancer. The company’s lead product, PanCystPro™, uses a combination of three biomarkers—including the protease gastricsin, glucose, and CEA—along with machine learning algorithms to help distinguish potentially precancerous pancreatic cysts from benign lesions. The goal is to reduce both unnecessary surgeries and missed opportunities for early cancer intervention. A graduate of the inaugural AGA Incubator cohort, Amplified Sciences has already launched early-access clinical sites and is collaborating with institutions including UCSF, Stanford, Indiana University, and…
Jona has expanded its Clinical Gut Microbiome Analysis platform by adding stool biomarkers such as calprotectin, secretory IgA, and short-chain fatty acids alongside deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing and its AI-powered interpretation engine. The company says the enhanced test combines microbiome sequencing, stool chemistry, and an AI model trained on more than 220,000 scientific studies to provide clinicians with more actionable insights into gut health. Jona also uses a “Digital Twin” technology designed to simulate how diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes may influence an individual’s microbiome before interventions are implemented. The launch reflects a broader trend in microbiome diagnostics: moving beyond…
The American Cancer Society has updated its colorectal cancer screening guidance, reaffirming that average-risk adults should begin screening at age 45 and continue through age 75. The update also incorporates several newly approved screening technologies, including stool RNA, next-generation stool DNA, and blood-based tests. The ACS continues to favor stool-based screening options, noting that next-generation stool DNA and stool RNA tests demonstrated strong colorectal cancer detection rates and moderate sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions. In contrast, blood-based screening tests showed lower sensitivity for both early-stage cancers and precancerous lesions, leading the ACS to recommend them primarily for individuals who decline…
Gastroenterologists in the US reported average pay gains — unlike a year earlier in a Medscape survey, where their pay was essentially flat — and they offered a positive vibe as well. Compared to the previous year, gastroenterologists more often said they felt fairly paid and similar shares expected to finish the year with some level of compensation increase. (Note: Respondents were full-time physicians who practice in the US only, and they reported total compensation including base salary, incentive bonus, and other income such as profit-sharing contributions.)
A new national survey suggests physicians are leaving clinical practice earlier than ever—and burnout-related pressures appear to be accelerating the trend. Published in The Permanente Journal, the study analyzed nearly 1,000 clinically inactive physicians and found that the average age of doctors leaving practice was just 48 years old—roughly nine years younger than a similar cohort studied in 2008. The leading reasons for leaving were “hassle factor” (44.7%), stress (44.5%), unrealistic patient demands (41.1%), and lack of professional satisfaction (38.4%). The findings also revealed a concerning pipeline issue: 11% of surveyed physicians completed residency training but never entered clinical practice…
In the ASTRO phase 3 abstract, adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis receiving subcutaneous guselkumab induction had a 21 percentage point adjusted advantage over placebo in week 12 clinical remission. ASTRO was a double-blind, treat-through, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial evaluating subcutaneous induction and maintenance treatment. Week 24 remission was also higher in both guselkumab groups, while the overall safety profile was broadly similar across groups.
Virtual colonoscopy is gaining renewed attention as a less invasive alternative to traditional colonoscopy, particularly for patients reluctant to undergo standard screening. A Boston Medical Center radiologist argues that CT colonography remains significantly underutilized despite strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in detecting clinically important colorectal lesions. Unlike traditional colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy does not require sedation, takes only 10–20 minutes, and allows patients to immediately return to work or daily activities—features that may improve screening participation among working adults and underserved populations. The article also highlights an important behavioral insight: abnormal findings on virtual colonoscopy often motivate hesitant patients to proceed…