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

A groundbreaking AI initiative from British Columbia aims to significantly improve 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) are leading this effort, which could transform how this common cancer is managed.

Endometrial cancer, the sixth most prevalent cancer among women, poses unique challenges. Its cells often present ambiguous characteristics, resulting in inconsistent diagnoses. This uncertainty complicates decisions regarding treatment options. To address this, the researchers have developed an innovative system that categorizes endometrial cancer into four distinct groups, each linked to different clinical outcomes. Despite this progress, a diverse group remained, prompting the introduction of the AI ProMisE test.

“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,” stated Dr. McAlpine. The AI technology assists in identifying patients who may appear to have a favorable prognosis but actually face worse outcomes. This enables physicians to tailor treatments more effectively, potentially preventing cancer recurrences.

The application of AI also offers the possibility of reducing unnecessary treatments for some patients. “Because of the tools we now have, some patients can avoid the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation altogether,” Dr. McAlpine explained. This advancement could lead to significant improvements in patient care, particularly for those living in remote communities.

Plans are underway to introduce these AI tools in treatment centers, including Victoria, within the next year, contingent upon securing philanthropic funding and regulatory approvals. “We plan to pilot it in a couple of centres, and Victoria is potentially one of those,” Dr. McAlpine noted. She emphasized the importance of Victoria’s research community and its collaboration with oncologists.

The potential impact of this project resonates deeply with Dr. Brad Nelson, who has recently been appointed as the Immunotherapy Research Chair at BC Cancer in Victoria. His personal commitment to women’s cancer research has been shaped by the loss of his wife, Joyce Deeley, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2001. The Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria, established in 2003 with a generous donation, stands as a testament to the ongoing fight against cancer.

“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 for Vancouver Island. He highlighted the significance of the research being conducted at BC Cancer, which has the potential to save lives not only in Victoria but throughout British Columbia.

This announcement coincides with **Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month** in September, underscoring the urgency of addressing this critical health issue. Dr. McAlpine emphasized that the application of AI in cancer diagnosis is just the 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.”

As the research progresses, the integration of AI into cancer care could redefine treatment paradigms, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for women facing these challenging diagnoses.