MELBOURNE, July 29 -- Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that could help identify patients at greater risk of recurrent bowel cancer, potentially enabling earlier life-saving treatment.

The AI algorithm, called SEMIL (Semantically-Enhanced Multiple Instance Learning), analyzes routine pathology slides using both images and written descriptions to assess tumor growth patterns associated with cancer recurrence, according to a statement released Wednesday by Australia's La Trobe University.

Researchers analyzed more than 1,600 pathology slides and validated the findings across 1,220 stage-two bowel cancer patients in three independent cohorts from multiple Australian institutions. Bowel cancer is the third most...