AI Innovation Set to Enhance Women’s Cancer Care in Victoria

An innovative artificial intelligence (AI) initiative from British Columbia is on the verge of transforming women’s cancer treatment in Victoria. Researchers, including Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati from BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC), are pioneering a new approach to diagnosing and treating endometrial cancer, the sixth most common cancer among women.

Endometrial cancer presents unique challenges due to the ambiguous appearance of its cells, leading to a higher likelihood of inconsistent diagnoses. This uncertainty complicates decisions about treatment options. To address this issue, the researchers have developed a system that categorizes the cancer into four distinct groups, each with different clinical outcomes. Despite this progress, one group remains diverse in its characteristics, prompting 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 enables medical professionals to identify patients who may appear to have favorable outcomes but, in reality, may experience worse prognoses. This insight allows for more tailored treatment plans, potentially preventing cancer recurrence. Furthermore, the AI tools could help some patients avoid unnecessary treatments or long travels from their communities for care.

“Because of the tools we now have, some patients can avoid the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation altogether,” Dr. McAlpine added. The implementation of these AI-driven tools, which include advanced scanners and hardware, could begin in Victoria within the next year, pending necessary funding and approvals. Dr. McAlpine expressed optimism about the potential for a pilot program in Victoria, stating, “I think Victoria will be key, and they have a fantastic team of researchers and oncologists that we work with.”

The prospect of piloting this technology in Victoria resonates personally with Dr. Brad Nelson, who has been appointed as the Immunotherapy Research Chair with BC Cancer in Victoria. Dr. Nelson previously highlighted the need for additional research in women’s cancers, which he feels passionately about. The urgency of this research is underscored by the legacy of Joyce Deeley, a significant BC Cancer donor whose death from ovarian cancer in 2001 led to the establishment of the Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in 2003, following a $5 million donation in her memory.

“Gynecological cancers are some of the most difficult cancers to treat and historically are an understudied area of cancer research,” said William Litchfield, associate vice president of the BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver Island). He emphasized the importance of the innovative research underway at BC Cancer, which has the potential to save lives throughout British Columbia.

The announcement coincides with Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, highlighting the urgent need for advancements in this field. The application of AI is showing particular promise in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional diagnostic methods often overlook. Dr. McAlpine noted that this is just the beginning for AI in cancer treatment, stating, “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.”

As the medical community anticipates the integration of AI into cancer care, the initiative in Victoria stands as a beacon of hope for improved outcomes in women’s health.