Right Treatment at Right Time for Cancer, Researchers Use AI as Their Ally
Researchers from The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have developed an AI algorithm that demonstrates remarkable accuracy in grading the aggressiveness of sarcomas.
The AI algorithm, highlighted in a recent study published in The Lancet Oncology, has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to outperform traditional biopsy techniques in assessing the risk associated with specific types of sarcomas.
To simplify, it can better tell how serious certain types of cancer are. Right now, it’s helping with a type of cancer called retroperitoneal sarcoma, which is pretty tricky to deal with.ย
In the future, this smart program might be used for other types of cancer too. That means more people could get the right treatment at the right time, which could really help them get better. Overall, it outperforms standard biopsy techniques, offering the potential for more effective and personalized treatment plans for patients.
AI analysed CT scans
The study, conducted by a team of experts, utilized cutting-edge AI technology to analyze CT scans of 170 patients diagnosed with retroperitoneal sarcoma.
The results have surpassed all expectations, showcasing the AI algorithm’s ability to accurately determine the aggressiveness of tumors in an astonishing 82 percent of cases, compared to the 44 percent success rate of conventional biopsy procedures.
“We’re incredibly excited by the potential of this state-of-the-art technology, which could lead to patients having better outcomes through faster diagnosis and more effectively personalized treatment,” remarks Professor Christina Messiou, reflecting the team’s enthusiasm and optimism for the far-reaching impact of this pioneering development.
Dr. Amani Arthur, the first author of the study and a Clinical Research Fellow at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, emphasizes the urgent need for improved diagnosis and treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma, a rare and complex form of cancer that often poses significant challenges for clinicians. With the aid of this innovative AI tool, the researchers envision a future where the identification and grading of retroperitoneal sarcomas will be significantly expedited, leading to more tailored and effective treatment plans for patients.
“The potential of this technology extends beyond just sarcomas. With further refinements, this AI algorithm could pave the way for the enhanced diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, ultimately transforming the lives of thousands of patients every year,” adds Dr. Paul Huang, Group Leader in Molecular and Systems Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London.
The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, the EORTC Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden and the ICR, marks a significant leap forward in the integration of AI technology in the field of cancer research and treatment.
As this innovative AI algorithm holds the potential to redefine the landscape of cancer diagnosis and personalized treatment, it remains poised to usher in a new era of improved patient outcomes and more targeted approaches to combating various forms of this debilitating disease.
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