Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been the subject of several discussions. We use it every day in the form of social media, gaming and even search engines.
But what exactly is AI and how do we use it for research, specifically in brain tumours?
This post will cover the following:
AI and its uses
AI is at the forefront of several industries and technologies, such as digital assistants, robots and security. However, AI is involved more often than we assume. Simple tasks such as autocorrect, online shopping and even booking an online GP appointment all require AI. So, the question is, as the use of AI continues to expand, how can we harness its potential to treat brain tumours more effectively?
Currently, AI can be used for detection, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours. It has several benefits and can perform quicker, cheaper and more efficiently compared to human interactions.
- Research – algorithms created by AI can identify large amounts of data to find the most effective treatment for specific cancers. Techniques carried out in research such as Genome Sequencing, which analyses mutations in large data sets, means faster and cheaper results.
- Diagnosis – techniques used for imaging such as MRIs use AI and detect abnormalities very efficiently, allowing earlier and easier detection of tumours. It can also be used to predict the outcomes of tumour growth and its effects.
- Treatment – AI is used in several forms of treatment such as radiation therapy. It can differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells allowing precise application with the least side effects. AI can also provide a personalised medication for the patient, meaning the best treatment is administered.
Brain tumours and AI
Researchers use several techniques which take advantage of AI such as Genome Sequencing, Imaging and generating AI tumour models. At The Brain Tumour Charity, we fund two research projects which utilise AI very effectively:
Dr Spencer Watson is one of our Junior Fellows and focuses on using imaging techniques to examine glioblastoma in detail. The team aims to understand how tumour regions interact with surrounding tumour microenvironments and could lead to new treatments.
Dr Spencer Watson
Dr Spencer S Watson is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at the University of Lausanne Department of Oncology, Switzerland. Spencer is mentored by Professor Johanna Joyce.
Professor Neil Carragher is using robotic technology to identify potential treatments for glioblastoma. As the testing is automated, the team can rapidly screen thousands of drugs to find the best ones and accelerate the discovery of therapies.
Professor Neil Carragher
Professor Carragher is the co-director of the Edinburgh Cancer Discovery Unit. He has strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and is focused on finding new treatments.
Future of AI
There are high hopes for developing the use of artificial intelligence for the treatment of brain tumours. As AI advances and becomes more common, there is great potential for improved diagnostics, personalised treatments and faster and cheaper development of new therapies.