A multidisciplinary team at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh, India, led by Dr. Pankaj Gupta, has developed an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) application designed to detect gallbladder cancer (GBC) using ultrasound images. This application is particularly crucial for early diagnosis in regions where specialist radiologists are scarce. The study validating this AI model, titled ‘Multiple instance learning approach for automated gallbladder cancer detection using ultrasound imaging: multi-center validation of a deep learning model,’ was published in The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia in April 2026.

The AI tool analyzes multiple ultrasound images to identify gallbladder cancer, providing a probability score that indicates the confidence level of its diagnosis. It highlights specific regions in the images that influenced its assessment, aiding doctors in verification. With India contributing to about 10% of the global gallbladder cancer burden, the application is expected to significantly impact healthcare, especially in peripheral hospitals lacking specialized expertise. The application will be shared free of charge with hospitals of national importance, and the team aims to integrate it into routine ultrasound workflows to enhance cancer screening accessibility across India.