The article discusses the development of a machine learning algorithm aimed at improving the accuracy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prediction in patients with chronic hepatitis B who are undergoing antiviral therapy. The study provides baseline characteristics of the population, including variables such as age, gender, height, weight, and various medical indicators. The article also identifies independent predictors of HCC development and compares the machine learning-based risk prediction model with other existing models. The machine learning model demonstrated a high area under the curve (AUC) value, indicating its potential effectiveness in predicting HCC risk.
Author: Abhay Panchal
A study published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology revealed that surgery appears to be underutilized for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. An analysis of patients treated in Texas between 2004 and 2018 showed that only 22% of those eligible for surgery underwent resection, with the utilization rates of surgery declining over time. Patricio M. Polanco, MD, from UT Southwestern Medical Center, commented that the data likely mirrors the situation in other U.S. regions. The study found that older age was associated with a higher likelihood of not undergoing surgery, while treatment at accredited centers was linked to a lower…
Researchers have utilized CRISPR-based gene editing to engineer a bacteria that can detect tumor DNA in mice colons. This innovative approach could potentially offer a non-invasive diagnostic tool to identify cancer or pre-cancerous DNA, enabling early intervention before cancer progresses or spreads. The University of California at San Diego-led team targeted a specific trait in certain bacteria, allowing them to absorb free-floating DNA from their surroundings. They then engineered the bacterium, Acinetobacter baylyi, to specifically consume DNA released by colorectal cancer tumors. If the engineered bacteria detect cancerous cells, they survive and signal the presence of these cells. Conversely, in…
ENDRA Life Sciences Inc. has submitted a De Novo request to the U.S. FDA for its TAEUS system, a non-invasive tool designed to assess fatty liver tissue in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The system’s liver fat estimates showed a strong correlation with MRI-PDFF, a standard for liver fat measurement. ENDRA’s CEO, Francois Michelon, highlighted TAEUS’s potential to provide a cost-effective alternative to MRI for diagnosing fatty liver disease.
Forbes, in collaboration with TrueBridge Capital Partners, has identified four healthcare startups in the U.S. that are predicted to reach a valuation of $1 billion or more in the future. Here are the highlighted startups: Thought-Provoking Questions/Insights:
Virgo Surgical Video Solutions, Inc. (“Virgo”) and Bon Secours Health System (“BSHS”) have announced a collaboration to enhance the quality of endoscopic procedures and broaden access to clinical trials for patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. BSHS, which runs the second-largest endoscopy program in Ireland, conducts over 17,000 endoscopies each year. The Virgo Cloud, a cloud-based platform compliant with HIPAA and SOC-2, will enable BSHS gastroenterologists to automatically record, store, and manage endoscopy videos without disrupting clinical workflows. Virgo’s AI tools, named Virgo Trials, will analyze intricate criteria set by pharmaceutical sponsors, making clinical trials more accessible to a wider…
In this Medscape’s InDiscussion series on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Dr. Lin Chang converses with Dr. Magnus Simrén, a professor of gastroenterology at the University of Gothenburg. They discuss the complexities of IBS, especially when it overlaps with other conditions. Key takeaways include: Overlap with Other Conditions: IBS can coexist with other gastrointestinal disorders like GERD, IBD, and celiac disease. Even when these conditions are in remission, patients can still exhibit IBS symptoms. Psychological Factors: There’s a bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and IBS. Psychological distress can predispose someone to IBS, and vice versa. Treating the primary symptoms can sometimes…
Kips Bay Endoscopy Center (KBEC) in New York has introduced the GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy module, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to assist physicians in detecting polyps during colonoscopies, enhancing the fight against colorectal cancer. Gastroenterologist, Dr. Inessa Khaykis, emphasized that the AI system will aid in improving clinical outcomes by increasing the polyp detection rate. The GI Genius™ module uses AI to highlight suspicious polyps in real-time, achieving a sensitivity rate of 99.7% per lesion. Research indicates that AI-assisted colonoscopies can boost polyp detection rates, and every 1% increase in this rate reduces the risk of colorectal cancer by…
The acquisition of medical practices and hospitals by private equity (PE) firms is on the rise, with over 1,400 PE deals in healthcare in 2021, amounting to more than $208 billion. However, the aftermath of these acquisitions varies. For instance, after her emergency medicine group was bought by a staffing firm backed by a PE firm, Dr. Michelle Wiener from Detroit noted significant workflow changes, reduced staffing, and decreased morale. On the other hand, Dr. Madan Kandula, an otolaryngologist from Milwaukee, found the changes after his practice’s partnership with a PE firm in 2020 to be positive, with improvements in…
US Digestive Health (USDH), one of the largest gastroenterology practices in the U.S., has announced the opening of a new office in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, located at 840 Town Center Drive, Langhorne. This expansion is in line with the organization’s commitment to patient needs and health prioritization. Jerry Tillinger, CEO of USDH, emphasized the practice’s dedication to providing access to top-tier physicians, emerging research, and innovation. The new office will house eight new providers, enhancing the continuity of care and offering specialized knowledge. Additionally, four existing Langhorne providers and 16 staff members will move to this location, bolstering the practice’s…