Cancer is a significant challenge for public health systems, requiring a collaborative approach that leverages technology, data, and innovation throughout the entire continuum of care – from prevention and screening to treatment and ongoing support. The National Innovation Agency (NIA) of Thailand is partnering with public health organizations, medical institutions, researchers, and the private sector to foster a comprehensive ecosystem for cancer innovation, offering solutions from early detection to long-term patient care. This coordinated effort aims to enhance the function of medical professionals, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and provide patients with more accurate and accessible treatment options.
Dr. Krichphaka Boonfueng, Director of the NIA, stated that statistics from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand indicate more than 140,000 latest cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the country, averaging approximately 400 cases per day. Tragically, cancer claims the lives of 86,310 people annually, or about 236 each day. The five most common cancers in Thailand are liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and cervical cancer.
The NIA is actively promoting and supporting the advancement of innovation ecosystems within the HealthTech and MedTech sectors, providing support from incubation and acceleration stages through real-world testing in sandbox environments. This initiative aims to propel Thai medical and health advancements toward becoming a true innovation society, fostering growth both domestically and internationally.
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AI for Breast Cancer Screening
Inspectra MMG, an artificial intelligence system developed by Perceptra Co., Ltd., analyzes mammograms to screen for breast cancer. The system was designed to understand the unique characteristics of Asian women’s breasts, which often have higher tissue density and can make detecting abnormalities more challenging with traditional mammography. This requires highly skilled radiologists, a resource currently limited in Thailand. The challenge is compounded by the country’s aging population and a growing trend of Thai women being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, particularly between 40 and 50, leading to increased demand for screening.
With a shortage of medical personnel to meet the rising workload, Inspectra MMG was created to support diagnostic processes specifically tailored to the Asian context. The AI system was trained on over 400,000 high-quality mammogram images, with more than 70% featuring breasts with high tissue density. This allows it to more accurately detect abnormalities, identifying various types of lesions including masses, suspicious calcifications, and distortions in breast tissue.
DeepGI: Real-Time Colonoscopy Analysis
The system also identifies abnormalities in axillary lymph nodes and provides a report indicating areas of suspected breast abnormalities, along with lesion identification and automatic breast density assessment. It can also connect directly to hospital information systems, enhancing convenience and safety in real-world applications. Testing at leading hospitals in Thailand has shown Inspectra MMG to have an accuracy rate of up to 97%, improving radiologist diagnostic accuracy by nearly 20% and reducing misdiagnosis rates. This highlights the role of AI as an “intelligent assistant” that enhances the capabilities of medical personnel rather than replacing them.
Developed to address the challenges of colorectal cancer, the third leading cause of cancer death in Thailand, with an average of 15 deaths and 44 new cases diagnosed each day. Endoscopic treatment is a popular option due to its lower cost, faster recovery time, and positive clinical outcomes, especially when detected early.
However, Thailand faces limitations in the number of colonoscopes and specialized physicians, resulting in insufficient screening, particularly among the more than 12 million people aged 50 and older. To address this, E.S.M. Solutions Co., Ltd., a specialist in electronic medical records (EMR) and colonoscopy databases with over 10 years of experience, collaborated with the Center of Excellence for Medical Gastroscopy at Chulalongkorn Hospital and the Department of Computer Engineering at Chulalongkorn University to develop DeepGI. This system analyzes colonoscopy images in real-time, increasing accuracy and consistency in lesion detection, and is being further developed into the “Scope-Life Studio” platform with support from the NIA. The goal is to improve diagnostic efficiency, reduce the burden on medical personnel, and elevate the potential of Thai medical innovation on a global scale.
Spray to Relieve Dry Mouth for Radiation Patients
The “SAVIVA (ซาวีว่า) Mouth Spray” was developed by a team of dentists and pharmacists to gently relieve dry mouth in cancer patients. This alcohol-, paraben-, and irritant-free spray utilizes natural essential oils, such as orange zest oil, to stimulate natural saliva production, providing immediate moisture and refreshment. Its easy-to-use spray format, pleasant taste, and non-irritating formula allow for continuous use throughout the day.
The spray reduces discomfort from radiation therapy side effects and improves patients’ quality of life, enabling them to speak and eat more comfortably, reduce long-term oral health problems, and lessen the burden on caregivers and the healthcare system. This exemplifies how Thai innovation is comprehensively addressing the needs of cancer patients.
The spray is ideal for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy who experience severe oral side effects, including dry mouth, oral mucositis, sores, burning sensations, taste changes, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and difficulty chewing and swallowing. These symptoms often become severe within the first two weeks of treatment and can persist after treatment ends, directly impacting diet, communication, quality of life, and increasing the risk of oral infections. Coupled with the limited availability and cost of artificial saliva products on the market, which can also cause irritation, SAVIVA offers a valuable alternative.
Chatbot for Cancer Information
The ADVANCE CARE BOT innovation was developed by Yeunyen Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., which specializes in providing palliative care for end-stage cancer patients and chronic illnesses in Bangkok and surrounding areas. This medical question-and-answer system utilizes artificial intelligence technology to support cancer patients, caregivers, and individuals interested in cancer prevention.
The system compiles knowledge from reliable cancer databases, using a process of extraction and systematic organization, covering questions related to symptoms, treatment, care, and lifestyle. Users can access accurate, fast, and relevant information, and usage data is used to continuously improve the system’s performance. It serves as an important tool for initial screening, providing efficient advice, reducing the burden on medical personnel, and promoting accurate understanding through online channels. This improves the quality of life for patients and families and expands access to healthcare services sustainably.
