AI help during colonoscopy to guide polyp removal
Development of Artificial Intelligence-Based Approaches for Computer-Aided Management of Colorectal Polyps
Using artificial intelligence during colonoscopy to help doctors tell which colon polyps are likely harmless so fewer patients get unnecessary removals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212761 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will use AI to analyze images taken during your colonoscopy to predict whether a polyp is likely harmless or precancerous. The team will train the AI on large sets of colonoscopy videos and matching lab pathology results, then test how the AI performs during real procedures. The goal is to give your doctor immediate, image-based guidance about which polyps probably need removal and which might not require tissue testing. If it works, the approach could shorten procedures, lower costs, and reduce risks from unnecessary polyp removals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults undergoing colonoscopy for screening or surveillance who have visible colorectal polyps during the procedure would be the primary candidates.
Not a fit: People without polyps or those with large or clearly suspicious lesions that must be removed regardless are unlikely to benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce unneeded polyp removals and pathology tests, making colonoscopy faster, safer, and less expensive for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous AI work on polyp detection and optical diagnosis has shown promising results, but broader clinical validation and routine use are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- VA Boston Health Care System — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodriguez-Diaz, Eladio — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Rodriguez-Diaz, Eladio
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.