Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tool Predicts Kidney & Liver Dysfunction in Chemotherapy
In a revolutionary breakthrough for personalized cancer care, researchers at Durham University in the UK have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict the risk of kidney and liver dysfunction during chemotherapy treatment. This groundbreaking AI model aims to reduce the number of blood tests needed for low-risk patients and enable more personalized care pathways, marking a significant advancement in the field of cancer treatment.
Collaborating with Evergreen Life, UCL, UCLPartners, clinicians from UCL Hospitals, and other NHS trusts, the researchers utilized data from cancer patients at three UK cancer care sites, initially focusing on breast, colorectal, and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma cancers. The AI tool incorporates routinely collected electronic health records and results from blood tests taken during the previous two cycles of chemotherapy treatment.
By analyzing this data, the AI model can predict the likelihood of organ dysfunction in later cycles of chemotherapy, allowing doctors to tailor the frequency of future blood tests based on each individual patient’s risk profile. This has the potential to reduce hospital visits for many patients, improving convenience and quality of care.
Extensive testing for bias was carried out to ensure the fairness of the model across diverse patient groups. Additionally, the researchers optimized the tool to perform well even when applied to new hospitals with different data recording practices. Early findings show promising results, with the model demonstrating high accuracy.
With the success of this project, the next steps involve deploying the AI tool in additional UK clinics and collecting further data to expand its utility across different types of cancer. This ongoing research aligns perfectly with Durham University’s commitment to enhancing wellbeing through innovation.
The introduction of this AI tool marks a significant advancement in personalized cancer care. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and analyzing patient data, doctors can now predict the risk of kidney and liver dysfunction during chemotherapy, allowing for tailored treatment plans and reducing the need for unnecessary blood tests. This not only improves the quality of care for cancer patients but also enhances overall wellbeing by minimizing hospital visits. As the research progresses, the benefits of AI in personalized cancer treatment are expected to extend to clinics across the UK and beyond, promising new possibilities for improved patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
References:
Durham University Public Release.
