AI and disease research

Advances in cancer care don’t happen without research. And research takes time to analyze patient data and treatment outcomes.

AI has the potential to accelerate drug and treatment discovery by analyzing vast amounts of data in minutes, not months or years. Algorithms may also be used to better identify suitable patients for a trial. And AI programs may be able to predict outcomes, allowing researchers to move in specific directions that may produce better results for patients.

AI tools may also be able to spot biases in clinical trial data that may affect outcomes for patients in various racial and ethnic groups.

Other ways AI is changing cancer care

Beyond AI’s impact on clinical treatments and diagnoses, it also is changing cancer care in ways we often don’t even think about. Here are just a few examples.

Administration: AI-powered programs often work behind the scenes at hospitals and doctors’ offices, helping with scheduling, billing and administrative duties.

Health care coverage: Insurance companies may use AI to help process claims or spot fraudulent activity.

Monitoring vital signs: Smart watches and other wearable devices help patients monitor physical activity and heart rate.

Digital assistants: Virtual home assistants—think Siri or Alexa, with a medical background—may answer patient questions, offer medication reminders or play music or peaceful sounds to help patients relax.