Alibaba’s AI Detects Stomach Cancer Before Symptoms Start

Alibaba’s Damo Academy has introduced a groundbreaking AI system capable of identifying early-stage stomach cancer using 3D CT scans.

Known as GRAPE (Gastric Cancer Risk Assessment Procedure), the tool offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional endoscopy, aiming to make early cancer detection more accessible and accurate.

A Game Changer for Stomach Cancer Screening

Endoscopy has long been the standard for detecting gastric cancer, but due to discomfort and cost, many patients avoid the procedure. GRAPE bypasses these challenges by analyzing CT scans using deep learning, offering a faster and more comfortable path to diagnosis.

Clinical Results That Surpass Human Experts

Trained on CT images from over 70,000 patients, GRAPE has undergone extensive trials in multiple medical centers. Its performance is remarkable: Detection accuracy (sensitivity): 85.1% False positive control (specificity): 96.8%

These results outperform experienced radiologists by approximately 20%. In some cases, the AI detected cancer six to ten months earlier than human specialists.

Now in Use Across High-Risk Areas in China

The system is already being implemented in provinces like Zhejiang and Anhui, where stomach cancer rates are high. Experts see GRAPE as a powerful tool for mass screening programs, especially in regions with limited access to specialists.

Redefining the Future of Medical Imaging

GRAPE builds on Alibaba’s growing success in healthcare AI, following previous models developed for diseases like pancreatic cancer. It has already attracted global attention and was featured in respected journals such as Nature Medicine.

Why This Matters

Stomach cancer often remains undetected until it’s advanced, making early diagnosis critical. With GRAPE, healthcare providers can:

• Identify cancer before symptoms appear
• Offer a safer, non-invasive diagnostic option
• Improve outcomes with earlier treatment
• Reduce the burden on overloaded healthcare systems

This innovation highlights how AI can be a transformative force in global health, helping save lives by catching deadly diseases before it’s too late.