When some critics assess the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), they focus on potential missteps.
And while AI can be misused, there are many ways it can be used for honorable objectives. Many people across the United States are already using AI. One source citing a Pew Research survey shows that 55% of Americans say they use AI regularly while 44% say they do not. Meanwhile, AIPRM — a research firm — says AI is popular in the workplace as people use email spam filters and chatbots.
Some ethical and societal concerns with AI include possible job displacement if AI overruns certain industries, social isolation if people rely on chatbots and virtual assistants rather than human-to-human interaction, and privacy missteps if personal data is misused.
These concerns are justified. However, there are many positive applications for AI — such as in the healthcare space. For instance, medical professionals can use AI to help detect and treat cancer patients. Whether someone has a relatively common cancer like breast cancer or a relatively rare one like pleural mesothelioma, technology could be part of the answer to help deliver better health outcomes.
With that said, here are six ways AI can be used in the battle against cancer.
1. Medical Imaging Analysis
Medical professionals can use AI-powered tools to comb over MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays to find tumors faster than would otherwise be the case.
When it comes to treating cancer and improving patient outcomes, there are benefits to having more treatment options to consider. Google, for instance, has developed an AI system that can analyze mammograms and predict breast cancer more accurately than clinical professionals in the US and the UK. It’s one way to find problems and possibly nip them in the bud.
2. Pathology & Biopsy Analysis
AI can be used to analyze pathology slides faster than would otherwise be possible. It can find cancerous cells that medical specialists might miss, which can give doctors a chance to aggressively target those cells.
A real-world example of this is Paige AI. It offers cancer diagnostics and precision medical applications. Specifically, its tissue-based AI-assisted applications support cancer detection, subtyping, and molecular biomarker discovery.
3. Blood Tests & Liquid Biopsies
Another way AI can be part of the solution is by finding cancer markers in blood samples. This means it can detect cancers sooner than is possible with imaging. According to Wired, Grail’s AI-powered Galleri test can detect 50+ cancer types using a single blood sample. That can be a game-changer for fast diagnoses and targeted treatments.
4. Precision Medicine
AI analyzes genetic profiles to suggest specific therapies, ensuring patients receive the best treatment based on their DNA. When it comes to cancer care treatment, the more personalized they are, the better they are. AI tools can recommend targeted treatment based on DNA.
5. Drug Discovery & Development
AI fast-tracks the discovery of new cancer medications by predicting how different compounds interact with cancer cells. So, while there is no cure for cancer, AI can help come up with effective treatments. Businesses like BenevolentAI and Insilico Medicine are examples of how AI-driven drug discovery can lead to the development of cancer medications.
6. Early Recurrence Detection
Another area where AI excels is early recurrence detection. The technology can keep track of patient data, like bloodwork or scans, to pick up signs of cancer recurrence. Finding recurrence can speed up treatment and possibly get cancers back into remission.
These are some of the ways AI is helping in the fight against cancer. It has made strides in detecting cancer, improving patient care, and developing effective treatments. So, while there are things about AI that raise legitimate concerns, it’s also helping in the battle against cancer.
