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Thailand’s healthcare sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, particularly in the realm of digital health technology, which is revolutionising healthcare delivery. The country’s digital health industry is experiencing exponential growth, characterised by the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics, the emergence of smart hospitals, and the development of digital mental health platforms. At the forefront of these advancements is Khon Kaen University, a renowned educational institution in Thailand that is driving innovation and improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
One of the contemporary developments in this sector is the introduction of “BiTNet,” an AI innovation unveiled by Khon Kaen University on the AI Platform. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionise healthcare by analysing ultrasound images to address the challenges associated with Cholangiocarcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the bile ducts in the liver.
Developed by a team of dedicated researchers at Khon Kaen University in collaboration with the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute and the Faculty of Sciences, “BiTNet” represents a significant leap forward in the fight against Cholangiocarcinoma and other abnormalities of the upper abdomen. Led by experts such as Prof Dr Nittaya Chamadol, MD, Prof Dr Wallop Laopaiboon, MD, Asst Prof Dr Arunnit Boonrod, MD, Asst Prof Tanapong Intara, PhD, Dr Prem Jansawang, Asst Prof Anchalee Techasen, PhD, and Asst Prof Dr Atthapon Titapan, MD, this AI technology promises to revolutionise the early detection and diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma.
Prof Monchai Duangchinda, PhD, Vice President for Research and Graduate Study at Khon Kaen University, has expressed the university’s commitment to becoming a “World Leading Research and Development University.” This commitment is evident in the university’s focus on research and innovation aimed at benefiting the community and advancing global societal development.
Khon Kaen University has long been aware of the prevalence of liver fluke disease and Cholangiocarcinoma in Thailand and the Mekong Sub-region. As a result, the university has provided strong support to the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute in its efforts to conduct research studies and develop innovative solutions to these pressing health challenges.
Assoc Prof Watcharin Loilom, PhD, Acting Director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, has emphasised the importance of collaborative academic efforts in driving innovations to combat liver fluke disease and Cholangiocarcinoma. By bringing together experts from various fields, the institute has been able to develop comprehensive solutions to these complex health problems.
Asst Prof Tanapong Intara, PhD, from the Department of Statistics, Faculty of Sciences, has provided insights into the unique capabilities of BiTNet. This state-of-the-art AI platform is trained to analyse ultrasound images showing abnormalities in the upper abdomen, enabling it to identify individuals at risk of Cholangiocarcinoma. By reducing the workload of radiologists by 35% and improving the accuracy of medical diagnoses by 12%, BiTNet represents a significant advancement in the early detection and diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma. With an impressive 96% accuracy rate in diagnosing patients at risk of Cholangiocarcinoma, BiTNet is poised to revolutionise healthcare.
Prof Dr Nittaya Chamadol, MD, an expert in radiology from the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, has emphasised the importance of early detection in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for Cholangiocarcinoma patients. By utilising ultrasound surveillance, the first stage of Cholangiocarcinoma can be diagnosed with an impressive 80% accuracy rate. The development of AI technology for ultrasound imaging of the upper abdomen represents a significant breakthrough in the early detection and treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma.
Asst Prof Angkana Boonyued, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, has highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting research and innovation that benefits society. The Faculty of Sciences has collaborated closely with the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute to develop BiTNet, leveraging the expertise of specialised personnel in AI and computer vision to contribute to this innovation.
Thailand’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes is clearly demonstrated by its policies aimed at improving healthcare access and its vision to establish itself as a hub for wellness and medical services by 2025. “BiTNet” is at the forefront of driving positive change and innovation for the betterment of society, exemplifying Thailand’s commitment to advancing healthcare.
