We are pleased to announce that a research team from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kyoto University Hospital presented their study at ASCO Breakthrough 2024, held from August 8-10, 2024, in Yokohama. This study explored the potential of using PST Inc.’s proprietary voice analysis technology to assess depression in gynecological cancer patients. The findings, presented by lead researcher Dr. Higashiyama, received the Abstract Award at ASCO Breakthrough 2024.

Overview of the Study

The study evaluated the effectiveness of using voice data analysis to assess depressive symptoms in gynecological cancer patients. By utilizing the scores from the traditional depression screening tool, PHQ-9, along with PST’s MIMOSYS analysis results and unique acoustic features related to depression, the team developed an AI capable of predicting mild depressive symptoms with high accuracy (AUC 0.89). The study highlighted that patients with mild depressive symptoms at diagnosis often experience worsening symptoms during chemotherapy, suggesting that voice-based mental health assessments could serve as a promising screening tool. Additionally, the AI identified metabolites such as xanthine, methionine, and taurocholic acid, which are associated with depression.

About ASCO and ASCO Breakthrough

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a professional organization representing physicians who care for cancer patients across all oncology subspecialties. Founded in 1964, ASCO is the world’s largest cancer society, with approximately 45,000 members worldwide. ASCO provides educational resources and scientific meetings to advance oncology.

ASCO Breakthrough is an international conference aimed at innovating cancer treatment, bringing together leaders and researchers from around the world to discover new solutions. The conference focuses on advancing cutting-edge cancer treatments through technological innovation, offering participants opportunities for inspiration and collaboration.

Future Outlook

PST Inc. is committed to improving mental health and well-being through voice biomarker technology. The study’s results indicate that our voice biomarker technology could play a crucial role in depression screening in medical settings, and there is great anticipation for further research and practical application. We will continue to provide innovative solutions using voice biomarker technology to contribute to the health and happiness of people worldwide.

*About the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine

Established in 1899 with the founding of Kyoto Imperial University Medical College, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2019. The department has a long history of involvement in gynecological cancer, with significant contributions to cervical cancer surgery techniques. The current professor, Dr. Masaki Mandai, has pioneered laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in Japan. The department also researches immunotherapy, ovarian cancer, cancer genome analysis, and quality of life in cancer patients, keeping prospects in mind.