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

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly enhance women’s cancer treatment in Victoria, British Columbia. Researchers Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati, affiliated with BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC), are pioneering AI applications that aim to improve the diagnosis and management of endometrial cancer, which ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer among women.

Endometrial cancer presents unique challenges due to the ambiguous appearance of its cells, often leading to inconsistent or subjective diagnoses. This variability complicates treatment decisions, making it difficult for healthcare providers to determine which patients require intervention and the appropriate type of treatment. To address this issue, the research team has developed a system that classifies the cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with different clinical outcomes.

Despite this progress, a particular group exhibited considerable diversity, prompting the introduction of the AI ProMisE test. Dr. McAlpine explained, “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 capability enables clinicians to identify patients who may appear to have favorable outcomes but may actually face worse prognoses. This information allows doctors to tailor treatments more effectively, potentially preventing disease recurrence and reducing unnecessary treatments for some patients.

The implementation of these AI tools, which involve specialized scanners and hardware, could begin in Victoria as early as next year, contingent upon securing philanthropic funding and necessary approvals. Dr. McAlpine expressed optimism about Victoria’s involvement, stating, “I think Victoria will be key, and they have a fantastic team of researchers and oncologists that we work with.”

This initiative holds personal significance for Dr. Brad Nelson, who has been appointed the Immunotherapy Research Chair at BC Cancer in Victoria. He has previously highlighted the critical lack of research in women’s cancers. The Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria memorializes Joyce Deeley, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2001. Her husband, Trev Deeley, made a significant contribution of $5 million to establish the research center in her honor.

William Litchfield, Associate Vice President of the BC Cancer Foundation for Vancouver Island, emphasized the importance of this innovative research. “Gynecological cancers are some of the most difficult cancers to treat and historically are an understudied area of cancer research,” he said. “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 announcement coincides with Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, highlighting the need for ongoing support and research in this field. Dr. McAlpine noted that AI is particularly effective in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional diagnostic methods frequently overlook. She 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.”

As the potential for AI to reshape women’s cancer care in Victoria unfolds, it underscores the critical intersection of technology and healthcare in addressing complex medical challenges. The ongoing research not only aims to enhance patient outcomes but also represents a significant step forward in the fight against gynecological cancers.