AI Advances Set to Transform Women’s Cancer Care in Victoria

An innovative AI system developed in British Columbia is poised to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of women’s cancers, particularly endometrial cancer, in Victoria. Researchers Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati from BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC) have made significant strides in utilizing artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes for this prevalent cancer, which ranks as the sixth most common among women.

Endometrial cancer presents unique challenges, as its cellular characteristics often appear ambiguous under traditional examination, leading to potential misdiagnoses. This ambiguity complicates the decision-making process regarding treatment options. To address this issue, McAlpine and Bashashati developed a groundbreaking system that categorizes endometrial cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with varying clinical outcomes. Despite this advancement, one group remained particularly diverse, necessitating further investigation.

The introduction of the AI ProMisE test has proven pivotal. 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.” This AI technology enables healthcare professionals to better predict patient outcomes, allowing for tailored treatment plans. The goal is to direct patients who might otherwise appear to have favorable prognoses toward more aggressive treatment options, ultimately reducing the risk of recurrence. Additionally, some patients could potentially avoid unnecessary treatments, thereby minimizing the associated toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation.

As early as next year, this advanced AI technology may be implemented in healthcare facilities in Victoria, pending funding and regulatory approvals. McAlpine expressed optimism about the pilot program, stating, “We plan to pilot it in a couple of centres, and Victoria is potentially one of those. I think Victoria will be key, and they have a fantastic team of researchers and oncologists that we work with.”

The initiative resonates personally with Dr. Brad Nelson, who recently became the Immunotherapy Research Chair at BC Cancer in Victoria. Nelson has previously emphasized the importance of research in women’s cancers. The Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria, named in memory of Joyce Deeley, who passed away from ovarian cancer, highlights the personal connections that drive research efforts. In 2003, a donation of $5 million was made in her honor, which continues to support cancer research initiatives.

William Litchfield, the Associate Vice President of the BC Cancer Foundation for Vancouver Island, underscored the significance of this research, stating, “Gynecological cancers are some of the most difficult cancers to treat and historically are an understudied area of cancer research. The innovative research underway at BC Cancer is incredibly important and holds the potential to save lives on the Island and across B.C.”

The timing of this announcement aligns with **September 2023**, which is recognized as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. As AI technology evolves, it is proving particularly effective in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional diagnostic methods may overlook. According to Dr. McAlpine, the use of AI in cancer care is just beginning: “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 potential impact of this AI innovation on women’s cancer care in Victoria could be transformative, paving the way for more precise diagnostics and tailored treatment plans that prioritize patient well-being.