Recently, Docbot, Inc. (“Docbot”) announced results from a study performed on Ultivision. Altogether, Docbot’s mission has been to create artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can be applied within a healthcare setting. Although not yet FDA-approved, Ultivision, a deep learning AI platform, is designed to detect and analyze lesions during colonoscopies. Docbot published the results of their study in conjunction with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Company. The full findings were published in Gastroenterology.
Deep Learning
According to Mathworks, deep learning is:
a machine learning technique that teaches computers to do what comes naturally to humans: learn by example. In deep learning, a computer model learns to perform classification tasks directly from images, text, or sound.
While the practice has been around, or at least theorized about, since the late 1980s, there are two reasons it has become more prevalent lately. Mathworks continues to explain that:
- Deep learning requires large amounts of labeled data, [such as] millions of images and thousands of hours of video.
- Deep learning requires substantial computing power.
In this case, researchers analyze data using a deep learning algorithm within Ultivision. By watching endoscopy videos, Ultivision analyzes the lesions. As a result, it can predict ulcerative colitis severity through the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) and the endoscopic Mayo score.
One of the reasons why Ultivision fills an unmet need is that it is typically expensive, difficult, time-consuming, and detail-oriented to identify ulcerative colitis lesions. Scoring requires a careful trained eye. So Ultivision is able to provide faster and more efficient scoring. Ultimately, this can improve patient outcomes. After all, if doctors can predict severity, they can also more quickly treat said patients.
Additionally, researchers believe that implementing Ultivision in clinical trials can provide better, more comprehensive results. In the future, Docbot and Eli Lilly will continue collaborating to improve research and care for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative Colitis
An estimated 700,000 U.S. citizens have ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory disease. Ulcerative colitis is characterized by sores, lesions, and ulcers in the large intestine. Typically, UC affects young adults or those over 60. Family history and Jewish ancestry both increase the risk of developing UC. There is no cure for this condition. However, treatments include antibiotics, immunomodulators, and corticosteroids. In severe cases, patients may need part of their intestine removed.
Some patients may not experience symptoms until the condition progresses. Symptoms include:
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Anemia
- Muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- Rashes
Learn more about ulcerative colitis.
