The NHS has embraced the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer treatment, marking the first time that AI has been recommended for use outside of trials. The National Institute of Healthcare and Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance advising doctors to utilize AI in the mapping of cancer patients’ radiotherapy treatment. By using AI, doctors can streamline the contouring, or outlining, of tumors, while minimizing exposure to healthy cells and organs. This process has traditionally been done manually by oncologists, but AI can achieve the same results in a shorter timeframe, potentially saving up to 80 minutes of planning time per patient.
Between 2013 and 2019, approximately 40% of cancer patients required radiotherapy, and in 2021-22 alone, over 134,000 radiotherapy treatments were administered. By incorporating AI, clinical oncologists could save up to 180,000 hours of time annually, equivalent to 7,500 days. This time can then be allocated to other important clinical tasks or providing additional care to patients. Specifically, patients with lung, prostate, or colorectal cancer who are due to undergo external beam radiotherapy are expected to benefit from the implementation of AI.
However, it is important to note that the contouring conducted by AI technology will still require review and possible editing by trained professionals before radiotherapy can be administered. This ensures that the treatment plan is accurate and tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay expressed optimism about the potential of AI in healthcare, stating that embracing innovation is a key aspect of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan. By utilizing AI, clinicians can improve efficiency and redirect their focus toward patient care. Barclay also mentioned the establishment of an expert group to determine the necessary skills and training for NHS staff to optimize the use of AI.
Currently, marking up images from CT or MRI scans is a manual process performed by hand to highlight areas at risk of radiation damage, lymph nodes, and the tumor site. The dose of radiotherapy is then determined based on these factors to target the tumor while minimizing harm to healthy organs and tissues.
Sarah Byron, program director for health technologies at NICE, emphasized the positive impact that AI could have on radiotherapy treatment planning. With thousands of people waiting for scans, AI technologies can support treatment planning and potentially save time and money when used alongside clinical oversight by trained healthcare professionals.
While AI brings promising advancements to cancer treatment, recent figures indicate that less than three in five cancer patients received their first round of treatment within two months of an urgent GP referral during June. The NHS witnessed a record number of urgent cancer referrals during that month, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year.
The draft guidance from NICE recommends nine AI technologies that can expedite the contouring process for various cancer types. The cost of implementing this technology into the treatment plans is estimated to range from £4 to £50 per patient.
Going forward, NICE will collect further evidence over the next three years to assess the effectiveness of AI in cancer treatment. A public consultation on the guidance is open until August 25th.
In summary, the NHS has taken a significant step forward by embracing AI in cancer treatment. By utilizing AI for radiotherapy treatment planning, doctors can save valuable time, improve accuracy, and enhance patient care. Although AI shows great promise, it is essential to strike a balance between technology and human oversight to ensure optimal results.
