Cedars-Sinai Researchers Co-Develop AI Tool To Improve Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Outcomes – AfroTech
In testing with data from a large clinical trial, the tool successfully predicted how patients would respond to their treatment.
“Unlike most biomarker tests, where you need an extra sample of tissue or blood, this test requires only a scanned image of the patient’s existing biopsy slide,” Hendifar said. “You just send the image electronically and quickly receive a result with the treatment preference. And you don’t just learn which treatment is preferred. You learn how much more effective it is likely to be.”
If validated through additional studies, researchers say the tool could help improve treatment selection across nearly any type of cancer and may eventually compare the effectiveness of treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery.
“This endeavor is an example of applying AI technology to an unmet clinical need, and offers tremendous translational potential,” said Robert Figlin, MD, interim director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. “It aligns perfectly with our goal of personalizing cancer treatment for our patients and improving outcomes for all.”
How AI Is Transforming Cancer Care
Cedars-Sinai is not the first organization to apply AI to cancer care, but its latest tool adds to a growing wave of innovation in healthcare.
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb and Microsoft have partnered to use Microsoft’s AI-enabled radiology platform to detect lung cancer at earlier stages. Lung cancer causes nearly 125,000 deaths annually in the United States, with disproportionately higher rates among medically underserved populations who are less likely to receive appropriate screening, according to a Bristol Myers Squibb press release.
The agreement enables the deployment of FDA-cleared AI radiology algorithms through Microsoft’s Precision Imaging Network, AFROTECH™ noted. The tools analyze X-ray and CT scans to help detect lung nodules that can be difficult to identify.
The technology is also expected to improve workflows for radiologists and expand access across the majority of U.S. hospitals.
“This new Microsoft collaboration reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and addressing healthcare challenges,” Andrew Whitehead, VP and head of population health at Bristol Myers Squibb, said in the release.
“At BMS, health equity is not a standalone initiative—it is embedded in everything we do. By deploying this solution and bringing advanced AI tools to the front lines, together we will help to address health disparities in lung cancer,” he added.
