European Commission Launches AI Initiative to Combat Cancer in Healthcare
The European Commission has launched the European Cancer Imaging Initiative as part of its broader European Cancer Control Plan. The initiative aims to leverage the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) to fight against cancer. By creating a digital infrastructure that connects cancer imaging data across the EU, including hospitals and research repositories, the initiative hopes to promote innovation and the adoption of digital technologies in cancer care.
Thierry Breton, the Commissioner for the internal market, emphasizes the importance of digital technologies and AI in the battle against cancer. However, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding the development and use of AI is crucial. The initiative prioritizes adherence to high ethical standards to ensure that AI benefits society without causing harm.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), European countries are not fully prepared to handle the risks associated with AI. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, director for country health policies and systems at WHO Europe, emphasizes the need for greater involvement of patients and healthcare workers in the design and development of AI technologies to ensure they are safe and equitable.
One of the main concerns related to AI in healthcare is the potential for discrimination. If AI algorithms are trained on imbalanced or biased data, they may provide inaccurate recommendations or diagnoses, leading to healthcare disparities. Azzopardi-Muscat highlights the case of algorithms that have not worked well for certain demographic groups or races.
Transparency is another key issue in the development and use of AI tools in healthcare. Lack of transparency can undermine trust and contribute to the perpetuation of inequality. Amnesty International points out that AI systems often amplify racism, discrimination, and human rights abuses rather than solving societal problems. The organization believes that the proposed AI Act should provide stronger protection for EU citizens.
It is important to note that AI is not intended to replace doctors but rather to empower them and improve healthcare delivery. The goal is to train doctors to work in collaboration with AI-driven devices. Terje Peetso, chief medical innovation officer at the North Estonia Medical Centre, emphasizes the infinite possibilities of AI in optimizing health services.
In recent years, UNESCO and the European Parliament have established guidelines and recommendations for the ethical use of AI. The European Commission has also presented the first EU regulatory framework for AI, which aims to promote the uptake of human-centric and trustworthy AI while protecting fundamental rights and democracy. The AI Act considers AI systems used in high-risk products, including medical devices, to be subject to regulation. The European Parliament has expanded the list of banned uses of AI to include discriminatory practices.
As discussions between the Parliament and EU countries continue, it is expected that an agreement on the AI Act will be reached by the end of 2023. The AI Act will set the tone for the development and governance of AI worldwide, ensuring that technology evolves in accordance with European values. The Commission remains optimistic that AI will continue to improve healthcare delivery while maintaining patient and healthcare worker trust.
