Generating research hypotheses to overcome key challenges in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer - Future application of AI.

Journal: Cancer letters
Published Date: Mar 15, 2025

Abstract

We intend to explore the capability of ChatGPT 4.0 in generating innovative research hypotheses to address key challenges in the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). We asked ChatGPT to generate hypotheses focusing on three main challenges: improving screening accuracy, overcoming technological limitations, and identifying reliable biomarkers. The hypotheses were evaluated for novelty. The experimental plans provided by ChatGPT for selected hypotheses were assessed for completion and feasibility. As a result, ChatGPT generated a total of 65 hypotheses. ChatGPT rated all 65 hypotheses, with 25 hypotheses receiving the highest rating (5) and 40 hypotheses receiving a rating of 4 or lower. The research team evaluated a total of 65 hypotheses, assigning them the following grades: hypotheses were rated as excellent (Grade 5), 16 were deemed suitable (Grade 4), 31 were classified as satisfactory (Grade 3), 12 were identified as needing Improvement (Grade 2), and one was considered poor (Grade 1). Additionally, the study determined that 17 of the generated hypotheses had corresponding publications. Out of the three experimental plans assessed, one was rated excellent (5) for feasibility, while the others received good (4) and moderate (3) ratings. Predicted outcomes and alternative approaches were rated as good, with some areas requiring further improvement. Our data demonstrate that AI has the potential to revolutionize hypothesis generation in medical research, though further validation through experimental and clinical studies is needed. This study suggests that while AI can generate novel hypotheses, human expertise is essential for evaluating their practicality and relevance in scientific research.

Authors

  • Lan Yao
    Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Center for Artificial Intelligence Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China.
  • Heliang Yin
    Department of Orthopedic Surgery and BME-Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA; Centre of Integrative Research, The First Hospital of Qiqihar City, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161005, China. Electronic address: yinheliang999@163.com.
  • Chengyuan Yang
    Department of Orthopedic Surgery and BME-Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA. Electronic address: cyang31@uthsc.edu.
  • Shuyan Han
    Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China. Electronic address: shuyanhan@bjmu.edu.cn.
  • Jiamin Ma
    Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450000, China. Electronic address: mjxm1992@gmail.com.
  • J Carolyn Graff
    College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA. Electronic address: jgraff@uthsc.edu.
  • Cong-Yi Wang
    The Center for Biomedical Research, Dept of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. Electronic address: wangcy@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn.
  • Yan Jiao
    Department of Orthopedic Surgery and BME-Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
  • Jiafu Ji
    Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China.
  • Weikuan Gu
    Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and BME-Campbell Clinic, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, 116 N Pauline St, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. Electronic address: wgu@uthsc.edu.
  • Gang Wang
    National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

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