Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a game changer in the world of healthcare. AI-powered technologies are revolutionizing our ability to detect, diagnose and treat various medical conditions, and can offer personalized treatment plans, significantly improving patient outcomes.

One area that stands to reap enormous benefits from the application of AI is cancer detection and treatment. AI-based algorithms can quickly analyze vast amounts of medical data, detecting patterns and extracting insights with formidable precision and speed.

This ability not only reduces the risk of human error but also helps many more people receive the tailored cancer treatment they need at an early stage, greatly improving their chances of recovery. In this article, we will explore some of the ways AI can be applied to advance cancer detection and treatment.

Faster Screening and Detection

AI is expediting cancer screening through accurate and reliable methods of detection. This includes AI-powered software like Paige Prostate used in prostate biopsy diagnosis. This FDA-approved technology analyzes digitally scanned images of prostate biopsy samples, identifying areas that are most likely to contain cancerous tissue, and has led to a 70% reduction in cancer detection errors and a 65.5% reduction in time of diagnosis.

AI algorithms can also improve breast cancer detection through the rapid processing of mammograms. This not only helps radiologists to concentrate on other areas that need their expertise and attention but may also assist in the long-term risk prediction of invasive breast cancers. AI algorithms like machine learning (ML) and deep learning are showing great potential in detecting and characterizing lung nodules, assisting in accurate lung cancer screening and diagnosis.

By analyzing various imaging techniques like PET-CT imaging and low-dose CT scans, suspicious nodules can be accurately identified, helping with the early detection of lung cancer and its timely intervention. This is especially crucial for lung cancers like mesothelioma cancer which has a long latency period and a short life expectancy once diagnosed.

Greater Precision in Treatment 

In addition to detection and diagnosis, AI is also helping oncologists improve treatment options for cancer patients. This includes two advanced AI platforms created by IBM:

• IBM Watson for Oncology: This AI-based clinical-decision support system is designed to help healthcare professionals diagnose and treat cancer by analyzing vast amounts of medical literature and data on patient history to suggest personalized cancer treatments for patients.

• IBM Watson for Genomics: By combining genomic tumor sequencing with cognitive computing, IBM’s Watson for Genomics helps in identifying genetic mutations and changes in patient tumors.

According to the Head of IT at Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève (HUG), rather than taking hours to analyze medical results by searching for data and literature on various available treatments, Watson for Genomics can reveal this information in minutes. As a result, patients can receive targeted treatment based on their genomic profile.

AI cancer imaging tools like OSAIRIS are also reducing waiting times for cancer patients. Rather than doctors spending two to three hours outlining the areas on the body to receive radiation, while protecting healthy tissue from damage, this ML tool can outline radiation treatment areas in a few minutes. This not only speeds up treatment times but allows for more precise targeting of treatment.

As AI continues to evolve, its benefits to medical science will no doubt lead to more accurate detection, diagnosis and treatment for patients.