New AI-Powered Endoscopy Tech Aims to Boost Colorectal Cancer Detection

Collaboration between Cosmo Pharmaceuticals and Apple Vision Pro could improve adenoma and polyp detection rates.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 9:54pm

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With gastrointestinal cancers expected to double globally by 2050, clinicians and researchers are embracing new technologies to enhance the precision and efficiency of diagnostic procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies. One such innovation comes from a collaboration between Cosmo Pharmaceuticals and Apple, which has integrated the GI Genius endoscopy module with the Apple Vision Pro headset to create a 'clinical cockpit' for endoscopists. This technology not only improves detection rates, but also allows for real-time annotation and measurement of polyps, as well as quality metric tracking.

Why it matters

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise, especially among younger populations, adding strain to the healthcare system. Any improvement in accuracy during endoscopic procedures can translate into lives saved, as studies show a 1% increase in adenoma detection decreases the chances of developing colon cancer by 3% between follow-up colonoscopies.

The details

The new technology, tested at Rush University Medical Center, allows endoscopists to view a 3D image of the colon and annotate procedures in real-time using the Apple Vision Pro headset. It has been shown to detect up to 15% more adenomas compared to standard endoscopy. The collaboration also has the potential to enhance training for the next generation of gastroenterologists by providing a more immersive, data-driven learning experience.

  • In July 2025, Cosmo Pharmaceuticals launched a study at Rush University Medical Center to test the technology.
  • The initial usability study involved 15 patients and the findings will now be shared with the FDA.

The players

Cosmo Pharmaceuticals

A pharmaceutical company that collaborated with Medtronic and Apple to develop the new endoscopy technology.

Medtronic

A medical device company that provided the GI Genius endoscopy module used in the new technology.

Apple

The technology company that provided the Vision Pro headset, which was integrated with the GI Genius module to create the 'clinical cockpit' for endoscopists.

Irving Waxman, MD

The James R. Lowenstine Professor and Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition at Rush University Medical Center, who led the study on the new endoscopy technology.

Rush University Medical Center

The Chicago-based hospital where the initial usability study of the new endoscopy technology was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“There were no issues, no safety issues, no complications, and there was no fatigue or anything related from putting the device on. It didn't add any time, and it was really a seamless experience.”

— Irving Waxman, MD, James R. Lowenstine Professor and Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition

“Studies have shown that utilizing this AI module, you actually detect up to 15% more of adenoma. Now, when you take into account that an increase of 1% in detection of an adenoma decreases, the chances of developing colon cancer in the interval between the follow-up colonoscopy by 3%. That's a huge impact.”

— Irving Waxman, MD, James R. Lowenstine Professor and Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition

“It's a brave new world for us. I think the opportunities are endless of how things are going to be potentially improved. If I'm going to remove something, and I bring an image on a CAT scan where I'm going to do, for example, [an injection into] a tumor to destroy it, I know exactly the morphology. [I have] a 3D image that I can be seeing when I'm doing my tumor destruction. I think it's incredible where this is going to go in our field.”

— Irving Waxman, MD, James R. Lowenstine Professor and Chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition

What’s next

The findings from the initial usability study at Rush University Medical Center will now be shared with the FDA for further review and potential approval of the new endoscopy technology.

The takeaway

This innovative collaboration between Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, Medtronic, and Apple has the potential to significantly improve colorectal cancer detection and treatment, addressing the growing burden of gastrointestinal cancers. The integration of advanced technologies like AI-powered endoscopy modules and augmented reality headsets could revolutionize the field of gastroenterology and save countless lives.