A new generation of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests promises to identify dozens of cancers from a single blood sample, but scientists remain divided on whether the technology is ready for widespread use. One of the most prominent tests, Galleri, developed by Grail, is part of a growing group of nearly 40 MCED tests currently available or in development. These tests aim to detect cancer by identifying fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream — a method known as liquid biopsy. However, early evidence suggests the technology may still face significant limitations. Mixed Evidence From Early Trials Results…
Author: Abhay Panchal
As understanding of the brain–gut connection expands, behavioral health is becoming an increasingly important component of gastrointestinal care. In an interview with GI & Hepatology News, Megan Riehl, Associate Professor of Medicine and Clinical Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at University of Michigan, discussed the growing role of GI psychology in multidisciplinary digestive care. GI psychologists work directly within gastroenterology teams to treat disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) and other digestive conditions using evidence-based behavioral therapies. Their role differs from general mental health providers by focusing specifically on modulating brain–gut communication to improve symptom severity, treatment adherence, and…
Artificial intelligence (AI) now performs many tasks that were once the exclusive province of physicians.1 It makes difficult diagnoses, provides psychological counseling, detects drug interactions, reads images, predicts outcomes, and reviews scientific articles (eAppendix in the Supplement).2 As these capacities expand, physicians’ roles will change. In many settings, physicians are increasingly positioned as supervisors of semiautonomous systems, retaining responsibility with diminished autonomy.3
Gastroenterology may be entering a new technological era that could fundamentally change how digestive diseases are treated. At Cedars-Sinai, interventional gastroenterologist Barham Abu Dayyeh describes the next phase of the field as “Endoscopy 3.0”—a convergence of robotics, digital intelligence, and advanced energy technologies that could transform endoscopic care.
A new evaluation from the Peterson Health Technology Institute finds that virtual gastrointestinal care programs can improve patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs, particularly for patients with IBS and moderate-to-severe IBD. GI conditions affect one in five U.S. adults and contribute to roughly $112 billion in annual healthcare spending, driven by diagnostic testing, procedures, medications, and hospital utilization. The report evaluated two main categories of virtual GI solutions. Wraparound GI Programs Programs such as Cylinder Health and Digbi Health provide virtual support services—such as coaching, nutrition counseling, and behavioral therapy—alongside a patient’s existing clinical care. The assessment found that these…
Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates has agreed to pay $4.75 million to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by receiving kickbacks for pathology referrals and performing medically unnecessary gastrointestinal pathology tests. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the GI practice entered into an arrangement with Advanced Pathology Solutions, a lab based in Arkansas, beginning in 2017. Under the agreement, the lab helped establish and operate a limited-capacity in-office pathology lab at the gastroenterology practice. In exchange for various operational benefits, the practice allegedly agreed to exclusively refer pathology interpretation services to the lab. Federal investigators claimed these benefits…
Targeted therapy has officially entered the first-line standard of care for a high-risk molecular subset of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. FDA granted full approval to BRAFTOVI (encorafenib) in combination with ERBITUX (cetuximab) and fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for adults with BRAF V600E–mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. This marks the first fully approved biomarker-driven targeted regimen in the first-line setting for this aggressive CRC subtype. What Changed: From Accelerated to Full Approval The combination previously received accelerated approval in December 2024 based on response rate data. Full approval is supported by Phase 3 results from the BREAKWATER trial,…
Virtual multidisciplinary GI care is moving from pilot data to scaled performance metrics. Oshi Health released its 2025 Impact Report, presenting expanded real-world outcomes across its national patient population and matched claims analyses. The company reports sustained improvements in symptom control, preventive care compliance, and healthcare cost reduction—positioning its virtual-first GI model as a population-level intervention rather than a niche telehealth solution. Clinical Outcomes at Scale Across nationwide analyses through year-end 2025: Subpopulation findings presented at ACG 2025 showed similar consistency: Patient satisfaction reached 97–100% across cohorts
Artificial intelligence in colonoscopy is moving beyond detection. Medtronic has announced CE Mark approval for ColonPRO™, the fourth-generation software powering its GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy system, marking a significant evolution from polyp detection toward full procedural intelligence. Originally introduced in 2019 as the first AI system to receive both CE Mark and FDA clearance for colorectal polyp detection, GI Genius established itself as a leader in computer-aided detection (CADe). With ColonPRO™, Medtronic is broadening its AI footprint across detection, characterization, measurement, and quality optimization.
The obesity treatment landscape continues to diversify beyond GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery. Allurion Technologies has received FDA premarket approval (PMA) for its Allurion Gastric Balloon System, marking a significant regulatory milestone for non-surgical, device-based obesity care in the U.S. The approval positions the company to compete in a rapidly evolving market increasingly defined by minimally invasive, tech-enabled solutions. What Makes It Different? Unlike traditional gastric balloons that require endoscopic placement and removal, the Allurion Smart Capsule is: The company describes the system as an AI-powered solution for weight loss, aiming to deliver four months of therapy from a single…