Judgment of benign and early malignant colorectal tumors from ultrasound images with deep multi-View fusion

Application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer: A novel Prospect

In the past few decades, according to the rapid development of information technology, artificial intelligence (AI) has also made significant progress in the medical field. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide, and its incidence and mortality rates are increasing yearly, especially in developing countries. This article reviews the latest progress in AI in diagnosing and treating CRC based on a systematic collection of previous literature. Most CRCs transform from polyp mutations. The computer-aided detection systems can significantly improve the polyp and adenoma detection rate by early colonoscopy screening, thereby lowering the possibility of mutating into CRC. Machine learning and bioinformatics analysis can help screen and identify more CRC biomarkers to provide the basis for non-invasive screening. The Convolutional neural networks can assist in reading histopathologic tissue images, reducing the experience difference among doctors. Various studies have shown that AI-based high-level auxiliary diagnostic systems can significantly improve the readability of medical images and help clinicians make more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Moreover, Robotic surgery systems such as da Vinci have been more and more commonly used to treat CRC patients, according to their precise operating performance. The application of AI in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has further improved the treatment and efficacy evaluation of CRC. In addition, AI represented by deep learning in gene sequencing research offers a new treatment option. All of these things have seen that AI has a promising prospect in the era of precision medicine.

The use of ultrasound in colonic and perianal diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To revise recent literature findings regarding the use of ultrasound in colonic and perianal diseases by focusing particularly on its feasibility in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), colorectal neoplastic lesions, and perineal diseases, with further highlight on interventional capabilities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Treat-to-target approach in IBD raised an interest in intestinal ultrasound (IUS) for monitoring bowel activity considering its noninvasive nature, low costs, and well tolerability. New IUS indices have been developed with ever better methodologies and are at various stage of validation. A standardized over-the-wire technique for colonic US using a flexible overtube enables endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling beyond the rectum, and forward-viewing radial-array echoendoscopes can assist identification of early neoplastic lesions in proximal colon. Intraoperative ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound carry an additional diagnostic value compared to conventional preoperative imaging modalities in detecting colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM).

SUMMARY

The feasibility of IUS in monitoring IBD activity is supported by growing evidence, but uniform IUS indices are still lacking. Recent advancements in EUS are expanding capabilities for determining depth of invasion of colorectal neoplasms, tissue sampling, and EUS-guided interventions to the entire colon. Ultrasonography can be a valuable tool in CRLM diagnostics as well.