Question Your World: Can AI Help Us Better Understand Cancer?
Sometimes new research and technology helps us better understand the world around us.
Recently, scientists have discovered that prostate cancer is not a single disease but comprises two distinct subtypes, referred to as “evotypes.” This breakthrough was achieved by applying artificial intelligence, or AI, to analyze DNA data from prostate cancer samples.
The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and published in Cell Genomics, involved whole genome sequencing of samples from 159 patients. A neural network model, which is an AI technique, identified two separate cancer groups, a finding later confirmed through additional mathematical methods and validated with independent datasets from Canada and Australia.
Understanding these distinct evolutionary pathways allows for more precise classification of prostate tumors based on how it evolves, moving beyond traditional methods that focus solely on individual gene mutations or expression patterns. This insight is pivotal for developing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific cancer subtype.
The research team aims to create a genetic test that, combined with conventional staging and grading, can provide more accurate prognoses for patients. Such advancements could revolutionize prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving thousands of lives by enabling more effective and individualized therapies
These researchers emphasized the significance of classifying tumors based on their evolutionary development. This study underscores the growing role of AI in healthcare, particularly in enhancing our understanding and treatment of complex diseases like cancer.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover more breaking-science news.