Artificial intelligence holds promising potential in revolutionizing breast cancer treatment by predicting the risk of side effects from surgery or radiotherapy, according to researchers.
This groundbreaking technology, set to undergo trials in the coming years, aims to provide more personalized care to patients.
Predicting Chronic Arm Swelling
Dr. Tim Rattay, a consultant breast surgeon and associate professor at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre, highlighted the importance of addressing treatment side effects, which can range from scarring to chronic conditions like lymphoedema. As survival rates for breast cancer improve, ensuring quality of life post-treatment becomes increasingly vital.
The AI tool in development aims to forecast the likelihood of chronic arm swelling, a common issue following breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy. By analyzing data from thousands of patients, researchers trained the AI to make predictions up to three years post-treatment, enabling early identification of high-risk individuals.
Dr. Guido Bologna, co-investigator on the project, emphasized the complexity of the model, which considers various patient and treatment factors. This nuanced approach allows for tailored support and interventions, such as wearing arm compression sleeves during treatment, for those at greater risk.
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Urgency of Breast Cancer Innovation
Dr. Rattay highlighted the transparency of the AI tool’s decision-making process, making it accessible for both clinicians and patients. This transparency fosters informed decision-making and enhances patient-doctor communication.
The AI model, soon to be integrated into clinical software, will undergo testing in a multinational clinical trial known as the PRE-ACT project. This trial aims to recruit hundreds of patients across the UK, France, and the Netherlands, with a focus on long-term follow-up to assess the tool’s effectiveness.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to expand the AI’s capabilities to predict other side effects, including skin and heart damage, further enhancing personalized care for breast cancer patients.
Dr. Simon Vincent from Breast Cancer Now emphasized the urgency of such research in improving treatment outcomes. While the project is in its early stages, the potential for AI to enhance personalized care is promising, pending further evidence from clinical trials.
With breast cancer diagnoses on the rise, innovations like AI offer hope for improving patient outcomes and minimizing treatment-related side effects, marking a significant step forward in cancer care.
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