AI Revolutionizes Women’s Cancer Treatment in Victoria

A groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) initiative from British Columbia aims to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of women’s cancers, particularly endometrial cancer, in Victoria. Led by researchers Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati at BC Cancer and UBC, the project seeks to address the challenges associated with the diagnosis of this prevalent cancer, which ranks as the sixth most common cancer among women.

Endometrial cancer presents unique diagnostic difficulties due to the often ambiguous appearance of its cells. This ambiguity can lead to inconsistent diagnoses, complicating treatment decisions. In response, the researchers have developed a classification system that divides endometrial cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with different clinical outcomes. Yet, a particularly diverse group remained, necessitating the introduction of the AI ProMisE test.

According to Dr. McAlpine, “We were able to look at these images of tumours and identify things that the pathologist couldn’t see and that the molecular tools couldn’t identify.” The AI technology enhances the ability to predict patient outcomes, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans. This precision medicine approach can direct at-risk patients towards additional treatments, ultimately aiming to prevent cancer recurrence.

The AI tools not only improve treatment accuracy but also have the potential to reduce unnecessary interventions. “Because of the tools we now have, some patients can avoid the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation altogether,” Dr. McAlpine explained. The implementation of these AI solutions could occur in Victoria as early as next year, contingent upon securing philanthropic funding and necessary approvals.

Potential Impact on Women’s Health

The prospect of Victoria serving as a pilot location for this innovative technology is significant. Dr. Brad Nelson, recently appointed as the Immunotherapy Research Chair with BC Cancer in Victoria, has emphasized the critical need for more research into women’s cancers. His dedication to this cause is personal; his late wife, Joyce Deeley, succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2001. In her memory, the Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre was established in 2003 following a substantial donation.

William Litchfield, associate vice president of BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver Island), highlighted the importance of this research, stating, “Gynecological cancers are some of the most difficult cancers to treat and historically are an understudied area of cancer research.” He noted that the ongoing efforts at BC Cancer could significantly impact patients’ lives on Vancouver Island and beyond.

The announcement of this initiative coincides with Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, celebrated in September, underscoring the urgency of advancing women’s health research. The AI’s application in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional diagnostic methods frequently miss is just the beginning. Dr. McAlpine remarked, “There are so many other applications we’re also looking at. [AI tools] offer a more personalized or precision approach. You’re not treating everybody the same.”

The integration of AI into cancer care represents a significant step forward, promising to enhance the quality of treatment and patient outcomes. As the research team works towards the deployment of these technologies, the potential for improved care in Victoria and across British Columbia becomes increasingly tangible.