AI in cancer treatment

TATA Memorial Hospital, the biggest cancer hospital in India, is turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI). By establishing a Bio Imaging Bank for cancer, the hospital is using AI to aid in early stage cancer detection.

The goal is to create a repository of radiology and pathology images, linked with clinical information, outcome data, clinical specifics and additional metadata. The project involves testing and training multiple AI algorithms using the gathered data.

AI analyses radiological and pathological images, learning from databases to recognise features associated with various cancers. It facilitates early detection by identifying tissue changes and potential malignancies. It aids in understanding patient behaviour, treatment response disease recurrence and overall survival.

Among the benefits of using AI is that it eliminates the need for extensive tests and enables even general practitioners to diagnose complex cancers. It can help avoid unnecessary chemotherapy for predicted non-responders. There is reduction in radiation due to enhanced images, along with a reduction of children being exposed to radiation. When MRI is conducted, an AI algorithm automatically provides a diagnosis.

Questions have been raised about potential replacement of human radiologists with AI, and about regulatory scrutiny. There has been resistance to use of AI by some doctors and healthcare institutions.

AI is capable of playing a transformative role in cancer treatment. It's potential lies in tailoring treatment based on diverse patient profile, thereby optizing therapy outcomes. Human touch in medical science, nuanced judgement and doctor-patient interaction is irreplaceable. Efficiency can be increased through collaborative efforts between human experts and Artificial Intelligence.