AI Breakthrough Enhances Detection of Gastrointestinal Cancers

The Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok has developed an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) system named Deep GI to assist in the detection of gastrointestinal cancers. Officially announced on December 2, 2025, this technology has demonstrated performance levels comparable to expert specialists and has received approval from the Thai FDA. The initiative aims to support doctors in identifying cancers more effectively, especially in a country facing a shortage of trained endoscopy professionals.

Colorectal cancer is currently the third most prevalent cancer in Thailand, particularly affecting individuals aged 50 and older. With only approximately 1,000 endoscopy specialists available, the demand for screenings exceeds supply. The Deep GI system acts as a “co-pilot” during endoscopic procedures, highlighting abnormal lesions, primarily polyps, in real time. This feature empowers doctors to make confident diagnoses while increasing efficiency.

Advancements in Detection Capabilities

The first phase of Deep GI was completed in 2022, focusing solely on colorectal cancer detection. Following its success, Phase 2 launched in June 2025, expanding the technology’s capabilities to include gastric and bile duct cancers. This advancement positions Deep GI as the world’s first AI system capable of identifying abnormalities across all three gastrointestinal organs. Early-stage diagnosis of gastric and bile duct cancers can be particularly challenging due to subtle lesions often overlooked by clinicians.

In clinical tests, the AI achieved accuracy rates as high as 97% in detecting colorectal cancer, matching that of expert physicians. The technology’s learning capabilities significantly enhance diagnosis speed, consistency, and precision. New diagnostic features, termed CADx, are currently under development to classify polyps as benign or precancerous, marking a significant progression in computer-assisted diagnosis.

Prof. Dr. Rungsun Rerknimitr, MD, Assistant to the President for Innovation at Chulalongkorn University and a gastrointestinal specialist, emphasized the importance of local data in improving accuracy. “AI trained on Thai medical data is more accurate for Thai patients. With more Deep GI systems in hospitals, we can make nationwide screening faster, broader, and more efficient,” he stated.

Future Implementation and Impact

Supported by the Board of Investment, Chulalongkorn University plans to deploy 35 Deep GI units across various hospitals throughout Thailand. This initiative is expected to enhance access to early cancer detection, ultimately lowering healthcare costs and improving patient survival rates.

Prof. Dr. Rerknimitr expressed optimism about the potential impact of this technology. “We hope Deep GI will serve as a powerful tool for early gastrointestinal cancer screening—preventing severe illness, improving quality of life, and reducing cancer-related deaths and costs in Thailand,” he commented.

The implementation of Deep GI represents a significant step forward in the fight against gastrointestinal cancers, providing critical support to healthcare professionals and potentially saving countless lives. The collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University exemplifies the power of innovation in addressing pressing health challenges.