AI can help in early detection of cancer: experts

Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be the biggest game changer in cancer treatment in the coming years, according to a leading expert in the field.
“Like in all spheres of life, AI will be a reality in the early detection of cancer. It will be a boon for low and middle-income countries with an acute shortage of trained staff, while trust and accountability in data sharing are the issues to be resolved,” said Dr Partha Basu, head of the Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO).
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Meanwhile, Dr Michael Philips, director, Applied Research Innovation and Economic Development Directorate, University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST), spoke about the role of the university in building capacity for cancer risk reduction and screening through technology.
He said: “UDST's research infrastructure and diverse academic programmes contribute to capacity building for cancer risk reduction and screening through technology. As disruptive technologies have significantly impacted cancer treatment, there is a need for greater collaboration with various stakeholders.”
Quoting Dr Abdullatif al-Khal, deputy chief medical officer and director of the Department of Medical Education at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr Philips said there is great potential for the Qatar research community to contribute to global health and national health policy if everyone works collectively.
The officials were speaking at the international conference on ‘Technological Innovations for Cancer Screening and Prevention’, organised by UDST in collaboration with Qatar Cancer Society.
Explaining the advancements made by technology in medicine and the new developments in cancer treatment, Dr Basu noted that there should not be any biases while dealing with data for AI.
“AI has to be applied without any biases. It might increase inequities in healthcare if biases are not addressed appropriately. Many implementation issues need to be considered in making use of the technology,” Dr Basu noted.
He also pointed out that AI innovations have to be accelerated to better detect and treat different types of cancer and several such gadgets are already available currently. These all will help fight cancer in a big way.
“Most of the works and experiments in AI are going on in Europe, North America and Australia, as these places have invested very heavily in developing AI-based diagnosis. Unfortunately, in most of the Asian or African countries it is not happening. So, we need to come together and form a coalition with anonymous data and images maintaining appropriate laws in data protection. It is a challenge but we are trying to do something,” he stated.
Dr Philips pointed out that digital and disruptive technologies are showing the way forward in cancer detection and treatment, and they are being used in healthcare practices across the world.
“There are three aspects to be taken note of. One is Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which are making significant impact in the healthcare practices. The second one is the use of 3D printing, which has helped in the diagnosis of diseases in a big way. Finally, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are also major digital tools in healthcare,” he explained.
Dr Philips highlighted the recent developments in cancer detection and treatment with the help of AI and the likely upcoming treatment options in cancer treatment such as cancer vaccines. He also spoke about the various research programmes, initiatives and training sessions held by UDST in this regard.