Started joint research with Tohoku University on automatic contour extraction of head and neck cancer tumors
AiRato and Tohoku University start joint research on “Automatic tumor contour extraction for head and neck cancer in radiation therapy”
tohokuuniv-press20241125_01_cancer.pdf
AiRato Inc. (Headquarters: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Representative Director: Kimura Yuuri, hereinafter referred to as “AiRato”) and Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine (Location: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Dean: Ishii Naoto, hereinafter referred to as “Tohoku University”) have started joint research on “automatic tumor contour extraction for head and neck cancer in radiation therapy” from October 2024.
Research content and objectives
In this research, we will develop technology that can automatically extract tumors on CT images by performing multimodal (a method of integrating and processing different types of information) AI analysis of medical image data (CT images, MR images, PET images, etc.) for head and neck cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy at Tohoku University Hospital (Figure 1). In the future, we aim to put this technology into practical use in society as AI-based radiation therapy planning support software.
Research characteristics and prospects
AiRato’s proprietary AI combines various radiological images for AI analysis, and by conducting joint research with Tohoku University, which has some of the best clinical data and clinical treatment knowledge in Japan, we aim to develop automated tumor contour extraction for radiation therapy that can be truly utilized in clinical settings.
Corporation (Center) / Company Overview
●Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
Tohoku University is a national university founded in 1907. It upholds the three major principles of “research first,” “open doors,” and “respect for practical learning,” and is committed to creating innovative research results and cultivating excellent human resources. In November 2024, it was certified as an “International University of Excellence,” and is committed to promoting the development of researchers with international perspectives and high levels of expertise, and working to solve social issues through interdisciplinary approaches. The Graduate School of Medicine promotes research in a wide range of fields, from basic medicine to clinical medicine and advanced medical technology, and the development of advanced medical human resources. In recent years, while advancing cutting-edge research such as genomic medicine, regenerative medicine, and next-generation medicine using artificial intelligence (AI), it is also committed to improving regional medical care and solving global health issues.
Website: / https://www.med.tohoku.ac.jp/
●AiRato, Inc
Radiation cancer treatment has been gaining momentum in recent years. There are three major cancer treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Of these, radiation therapy can treat cancer without cutting into the body or causing pain, so demand is growing as a minimally invasive treatment that places less strain on the body. With the mission of “saving all cancer patients with radiation therapy,” Airato Co., Ltd. develops radiation therapy planning support services using medical AI and works to improve the treatment outcomes and workload of cutting-edge radiation therapy.