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

An innovative application of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the horizon for women’s cancer treatment in Victoria, British Columbia. Researchers from BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC), led by Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati, are pioneering a system aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer, which ranks as the sixth most common cancer among women globally.

Endometrial cancer presents unique challenges due to the ambiguous nature of its cell structures. This ambiguity can lead to inconsistent diagnoses, complicating treatment decisions for patients. To address this issue, the research team has developed a system that categorizes endometrial cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with different clinical outcomes. Despite this progress, a particular group remained difficult to classify, prompting the introduction of the AI ProMisE test.

“We were able to look at these images of tumors and identify things that the pathologist couldn’t see and that the molecular tools couldn’t identify,” stated Dr. McAlpine. The AI technology enables medical professionals to discern which patients, despite appearing to have favorable prognoses, may actually be at risk for poorer outcomes. This capability allows for more targeted treatment approaches, potentially preventing cancer recurrences.

The AI tools, which consist of advanced scanners and hardware, could be deployed in healthcare facilities in Victoria as early as 2024, contingent on securing philanthropic funding and necessary approvals. “We plan to pilot it in a couple of centres, and Victoria is potentially one of those,” Dr. McAlpine added, highlighting the collaboration with local researchers and oncologists.

The potential implementation of this technology resonates deeply with Dr. Brad Nelson, who recently assumed the role of Immunotherapy Research Chair with BC Cancer in Victoria. In a previous interview, he emphasized the critical need for research focused on women’s cancers, which have often been undervalued and underfunded in the medical community. This sentiment is further underscored by the legacy of Joyce Deeley, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2001. The Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria, named in her honor, serves as a reminder of the importance of advancing cancer research.

“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. “The innovative research underway at BC Cancer is incredibly important and holds the potential to save lives on the Island and across B.C.”

This announcement coincides with Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, underscoring the urgency of addressing these significant health challenges. The AI technology is particularly promising in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional methods often overlook. Dr. McAlpine noted that this application represents just the beginning of AI’s potential impact. “There are so many other applications we’re also looking at,” she explained. “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 not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also significantly improve patient outcomes. With further funding and support, the initiative in Victoria could serve as a model for transforming women’s cancer treatment across Canada and beyond.