Okayama University Pioneers AI-Driven Diagnostic System for Bile Duct Cancer

In a significant stride towards improving healthcare outcomes, the Okayama University Hospital's Department of Gastroenterology, led by Dr. Ryosuke Sato, has received approval for a groundbreaking research and development project. This initiative has been selected for the AMED Fiscal Year 2025 "Challenge Type Medical Device Research and Development Program," focusing on innovative medical technologies.

Key Highlights of the Project

The research aims to develop an AI-based bile duct endoscopic imaging diagnostic system—the first of its kind in the world. This state-of-the-art dual AI diagnostic system will analyze images captured from endoscopies directly observing the bile duct. It will provide simultaneous support for diagnosing both the presence of malignancy and determining the extent of the disease.

Bile duct cancer, known for its challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis (with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%), stands as one of the most difficult cancers to treat. The implementation of this AI system is expected to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy for detecting cancer progression, which in turn could improve the rates of curative surgery and ultimately lead to higher survival rates while reducing healthcare costs for patients.

Project Overview

Okayama University, located in Okayama City and led by President Yasuya Nasu, has established a research team focused on utilizing artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics. The project is a collaboration with Ryobi Systems; together, they aim to address unmet medical needs and clinical challenges by developing a new approach to diagnostic technology.

The project aligns with three essential criteria set by AMED:
1. A clear setting of clinical challenges that need addressing.
2. The ability to demonstrate effectiveness through theory and foundational research.
3. Exploration of innovative ideas that are not merely incremental improvements of existing medical devices.

As the project leader, Dr. Sato will guide the research team over the next year in developing the AI-driven system. Other key contributors include Dr. Kazuyuki Matsumoto and Associate Professor Daisuke Uchida from Okayama University's Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, along with Dr. Masahiro Tomiya from Ryobi Systems, who serves as the sub-leader of the project. Together, they are committed to advancing the diagnosis of difficult bile duct cancer cases by improving the accuracy of assessing malignancy and the extent of disease progression.

A Message from Dr. Sato

Dr. Sato expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to tackle the formidable challenge of diagnosing bile duct cancer with innovative AI technology. He emphasized that this project stems from insights gained in clinical settings and reflects a collaborative effort among researchers, including distinguished faculty members and external partners in AI development. Over the coming year, the team will aim to establish the core technologies for the AI system and draft a development plan for prototype production, aspiring to transition to a full development program in the subsequent fiscal year.

"Through our research, we aim to significantly enhance the diagnostic precision for bile duct cancer and contribute to the improvement of patient outcomes. We are committed to working diligently as a unified team in this vital endeavor," Dr. Sato stated.

Additional Information

- Initiative Name: Challenge Type Medical Device Research and Development Project
- Research Development Title: Development of an AI-Based Bile Duct Endoscopic Imaging Diagnostic System
- Principal Investigator: Dr. Ryosuke Sato, Okayama University Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology
- Collaborating Institution: Ryobi Systems
- Research Duration: From May 16, 2025, to March 31, 2026

This announcement was made public on July 25, 2025, by Okayama University, underlining the institution's commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through innovative solutions.

For detailed information, you can refer to the links provided earlier or directly contact the respective institutions.