ASCO 2024: AI tool almost doubles colonoscopy uptake rate

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool, termed MyEleanor, has demonstrated impressive results in improving colorectal cancer screening for patients from underserved populations.

The use of AI in healthcare has faced much scrutiny as flaws have been spotted in its ability to remain unbiased. However, researchers are looking to turn this on its head by using an AI tool to tackle screening inequalities. The findings will be presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting (May 31–June 4, IL, USA).

Disparities in cancer treatment and care are often linked with later diagnosis, as a result of barriers to screening. MyEleanor is a virtual patient navigator, which can converse in English and Spanish, that has the capability to discuss rescheduling missed appointments, assess barriers to screening uptake and remind patients of upcoming events.

In this study, MyEleanor was appraised for 2400 US-based patients who had not attended their scheduled colonoscopy appointment in 2022 or 2023. The patient cohort comprised 41% Hispanic individuals, 33% Black individuals; 66% of the overall cohort were female. The rate of completed colonoscopies almost doubled from 10% to 19% after the initiation of MyEleanor.

AI; how truly helpful is it in improving lung cancer diagnoses?

Researchers assesed the factors affecting a lung cancer diagnosis when radiologists are assisted by AI.

“Our quality improvement project demonstrates the potential that AI-based virtual navigation can have in meeting these criteria while promoting engagement in cancer screening in underserved populations who experience a disproportionate cancer burden in morbidity and mortality,” explained lead study author Alyson Moadel (Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, NY, USA).

The next steps for the study include reviewing the suitability of this AI tool in improving lung and breast cancer screening.