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

Researchers in British Columbia are poised to enhance women’s cancer care through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati from BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are developing AI tools that aim to transform the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer, the sixth most common cancer among women.

Endometrial cancer presents unique challenges for medical professionals. Its cellular structure often appears ambiguous under examination, leading to inconsistent and subjective diagnoses. This uncertainty complicates treatment decisions, making it difficult for doctors to determine which patients require treatment and the most appropriate type of intervention. In response, the researchers have created a system that categorizes this type of cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with varying clinical outcomes.

Despite this progress, one group remained highly diverse, necessitating further investigation. The introduction of the AI ProMisE test has proven instrumental in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. “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,” noted Dr. McAlpine. This technology allows clinicians to identify patients who may appear to have favorable prognoses but are at risk for worse outcomes. Consequently, doctors can direct these patients toward more intensive treatment options, potentially preventing cancer recurrence.

The AI tools, which include advanced scanning equipment, are expected to be implemented in centres such as Victoria as early as 2024, subject to 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 explained. “I think Victoria will be key, and they have a fantastic team of researchers and oncologists that we work with.”

The potential deployment of these tools in Victoria holds personal significance for Dr. Brad Nelson, who recently assumed the Immunotherapy Research Chair at BC Cancer in the city. Dr. Nelson has expressed concerns about the historical lack of research in women’s cancers, an issue that resonates deeply with him. The Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria, named in honor of a significant donor whose wife died of ovarian cancer, underscores the area’s commitment to advancing cancer research.

William Litchfield, associate vice president of BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver Island), emphasized the importance of this research. “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 announcement coincides with Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month in September, highlighting the urgent need for advancements in this field. AI technology is particularly effective in identifying high-risk endometrial cancers that traditional methods often overlook. Dr. McAlpine 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-enhanced diagnostics and treatments unfolds, the hope is that these innovations will significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary procedures, thereby transforming the landscape of women’s cancer care in Victoria and beyond.