IIT-Mandi Develops Portable Device to Screen Cervical Cancer

Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi researchers, have developed an artificial intelligence-powered point-of-care device to screen cervical cancer cases by analyzing microscopy images with high accuracy.//

The project has been taken up in collaboration with Aindra Systems, Bengaluru.

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Pap smear is the most common test used in screening cervical cancer caused by an infection with human papilloma virus. Pap smear should be repeated every 1 to 3 years till the age of 65 years.

‘Cervical cancer is among the deadliest forms of cancer, and early detection and treatment are essential for the patient. ’
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The research team comprised Anil Sao and Arnav Bhavsar, Associate Professors, School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, and Srishti Gautam and Krati Gupta.

The team, along with the industry collaborators, has developed AI-based algorithms that enable the device to undertake automatic screening for cervical cancer, according to a statement by the IIT-Mandi.

The gold standard in screening for cervical cancer is the Pap Smear test, in which cells extracted from the cervix are examined by specialists using a microscope.

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Cervical cancer awareness month observed in January each year aims to raise and spread awareness about cervical cancer (cancer cervix), the majority of which can be easily prevented by regular Pap screening tests

While the Pap smear test undoubtedly helps in early detection, it involves subjective analysis and is associated with risks of false diagnoses. According to studies, the Pap Smear test's accuracy is 60-85 percent.

"The difference between a conventional system and Aindra's point-of-care system is that the latter is portable and can be taken to the potential patients. In the conventional system, the people have to visit the pathology laboratory to get themselves screened," Bhavsar said.

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Adarsh Natrajan, Harinarayanan, and Nirmal Jith from Aindra Systems collaborated on the device's design and development.

They have applied for an international patent for the device and algorithm in 2016, and the research has been published in many international journals.

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The prototype of the device is undergoing clinical trials at Kidwai Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru; Manipal Hospital, Karnataka; and Raja Rajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru.

The accuracy of the prototypes has been around 88 percent.

The IIT-Mandi team analyzed Pap Smear images provided by Aindra and characterized them into 'normal' and 'potentially cancerous' cases. They developed a computer program that could differentiate between the two.

Source-IANS