Gut microbiome in colorectal cancer: metagenomics from bench to bedside

The Future of Minimally Invasive GI and Capsule Diagnostics (REFLECT), October 2024

The fifth annual REFLECT (The futuRE oF MinimalLy InvasivE GI and Capsule diagnosTics) symposium, held in October 2024 in Nyborg, Denmark, focused on advancements in minimally invasive gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostics, particularly capsule endoscopy (CE) technologies. Key discussions included clinical updates, innovations in hardware and software, and the growing role of colon CE (CCE) in colorectal cancer screening. The event provided a platform for clinicians, engineers, industry representatives, and scientists to exchange knowledge and present the latest advancements in the field. Discussions covered clinical studies, future research protocols, and technological innovations, with also a notable focus on commercial solutions and expansion of the implementation of capsule endoscopy. The symposium also highlighted the significance of predictive models for patient selection and developments in panenteric CE. Innovative technologies presented included robotics for drug delivery and magnetic endoscopic guidance systems. AI advancements were discussed for their potential to reduce diagnostic fatigue and standardize image interpretation, but ethical concerns and the need for transparent algorithms remain. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration was emphasized to bridge innovation and clinical practice. Home-based CCE delivery emerged as a promising model, despite mixed results from environmental impact assessments. Overall, REFLECT 2024 reinforced the clinical utility and challenges of capsule-based diagnostics, advocating for ongoing interdisciplinary research to support safe and effective integration into healthcare systems.