Alibaba has unveiled Grape, an AI tool developed in partnership with Zhejiang Cancer Hospital to transform early stomach cancer detection. Utilizing advanced 3D CT scan analysis, Grape expertly spots tumours that might escape even experienced radiologists, offering a non‐invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy.
If you’ve hesitated at the thought of an invasive procedure, you’ll appreciate how Grape makes screening far more accessible. By training on the largest dataset of gastric cancer images ever compiled, the model detects subtle changes that could indicate early disease, potentially sparing patients unnecessary discomfort.
Clinical trials back Grape’s capability, showing a sensitivity of 85.1% and a specificity of 96.8%. In real-world tests, the system has identified cancers that human doctors missed, which could help prevent delays in starting treatment.
Stomach cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, often presenting little to no symptoms until reaching advanced stages. In China, fewer than 30% of patients opt for an endoscopy when advised. With its gentle, non-invasive approach, Grape could encourage more people to seek early screening.
Already set to roll out in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, Grape builds on Alibaba’s earlier breakthrough with Damo Panda – an AI model for pancreatic cancer that earned the U.S. FDA’s breakthrough device recognition. Working alongside the World Health Organization, Alibaba aims to extend these advanced technologies to underserved regions, helping to bridge critical healthcare gaps.
