Published on 26 Jul 2024
min read
The rapid evolution of technology is redefining the medical domain. We are witnessing a comprehensive revitalization of the entire spectrum, from pharma to medical devices. These changes are helping transform patient care and outcomes.
An area that has had a notable positive impact due to its intersection with technology is Oncology, the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The field of oncology has been profoundly transformed by recent technological advancements, mainly in the imaging space. From the use of X-rays to the more sophisticated imaging techniques like CT, MRI and PET scans, advancements in medical imaging have significantly improved the detection, diagnosis, and surgical or therapy treatment of all types of cancers. With further progress in medical technologies, especially in the areas of AI/ML medical imaging now has access to more powerful, versatile, and reliable tolls at its disposal.
AI in oncology has shown promise in risk prediction, early detection, and diagnosis. Advanced AI algorithms today can analyze vast amount of data from radiographs, scans, and procedural videos to identify even subtle variations among otherwise similar looking tumors within seconds. And even before subtle signs appear, predictive AI tools can help identify cancer risk among patients based on their demographics, past medical history, lab reports, image scans, genomics, etc.
This potential of AI in Oncology is proving to be a game-changer, particularly where an earlier diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact the treatment and resulting prognosis.
For increasing diagnosis accuracy, AI-based image processing and enhancement is increasingly being used to remove unwanted background noises in medical images and procedural videos improving their clarity. In this way, anatomical structures and tumor edges get better defined facilitating a more accurate diagnosis.
Gen AI-based image report generation is a powerful solution to streamline workflows and improve reporting efficiency. It holds immense potential to revolutionize how we handle the ever-growing volume of oncology imaging data. AI algorithms can analyze images and identify significant features, automatically highlighting these findings within reports.
Report templates can be automatically populated with relevant findings and measurements in a standardized manner. These reports can then be personalized based on specific physician preferences or patient needs, ensuring the report is focused on the most relevant information. AI-powered report generation tools can be integrated with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, allowing for a seamless data transfer and report generation within existing workflows.
By leveraging AI's capabilities while also maintaining human oversight, we can achieve greater reporting efficiency, improve its accuracy, and redefine patient care.
The gold standard for cancer diagnosis relies on examining tissue samples under a microscope after staining. AI leverages deep learning to digitally replicate histological stains on unstained tissue samples eliminating the need for physical staining which along with being time-consuming also involves the use of toxic chemicals. Additionally, the use of digital staining gives way to a stain-to-stain conversion and opens possibilities for in-vivo staining.
AI-based clinical decision support can also be leveraged for insights related to treatment suggestions based on individual tumor characteristics. This AI-backed, highly specific tumor analysis paves the way for precision medicine yielding better health outcomes with minimal side effects.
AI tools can also be leveraged to optimize radiotherapies by optimizing dosage and beam angles to minimize the exposure to health tissues. They can also track tumor movement during breathing or organ motion allowing for dynamic adjustments of radiation beam for continuous targeting. Post surgery, relapse of tumor too can be tracked over time.
In terms of pre-surgical planning, AI/ML algorithms can help segment tumors and provide accurate measurements of their area and volume to assist in planning of surgeries. Anatomical areas of interest can then be highlighted by annotations or markings allowing easier detection. Combining images of different modalities like PET, MRI, or CT scans into a single view or even a single image can provide a more comprehensive view of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Imaging stitching techniques can combine multiple images to create a single complete panoramic view especially beneficial for large tumors. Imaging data can be used to create 3D models of a patient’s anatomy for pre-surgical planning and for virtual simulation of complex procedures. Vital data from imaging scans can be overlayed onto live surgical field using AR, providing real-time guidance to surgeons during the procedure. Pre-operative imaging navigation systems allows for more precise tumor removal minimizing collateral and unnecessary tissue damage.
NLP-based speech-to-text transformation enables oncologists in making clinical notes by automating non-value addition work allowing them to focus more on their core task of providing clinical judgement.
At a time when oncology cases are on the rise worldwide, AI has the potential to revolutionize the field by contributing to an end-to end oncology workflow – right from risk prediction and diagnosis to intervention and monitoring.
Imagine a situation where an AI-enabled scan reveals not just the presence of a tumor but also its genomics, helping in tailoring a pinpoint accurate treatment that only has minimal side effects. This is the promise that AI in oncology holds, while also maintaining the irreplaceable human touch.
In conclusion, AI holds immense potential to further revolutionize medical imaging in oncology. From earlier diagnosis to personalized and targeted treatment plans, the integration of AI in oncology imaging can facilitate better prognosis and potentially life-saving interventions.
The future lies in collaboration between human and responsible artificial intelligence where AI augments human capabilities and reduces their workload. Ongoing research and development as well as ethical considerations are paramount as AI continues to integrate into the critical medical field.
Together, let us transform cancer care with human and artificial intelligence!
