AI May Reduce Unnecessary Treatments for Breast Cancer Patients
A study conducted by Northwestern Medicine has highlighted the potential of a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool in refining the prediction of outcomes for breast cancer patients, potentially sparing them from unnecessary chemotherapy treatments.
The AI tool demonstrated the capability to identify breast cancer patients who, despite being classified as high or intermediate risk, could become long-term survivors. This suggests that the intensity or duration of their chemotherapy could be reduced, alleviating patients from its associated adverse effects such as nausea and, albeit rarely, heart damage.
Traditionally, pathologists base treatment decisions on evaluations of cancerous cells in a patient’s tissue. However, the study emphasizes the significance of non-cancerous cell patterns in predicting outcomes, a factor often overlooked in clinical assessments.
The AI model analyzes both cancerous and non-cancerous elements in breast cancer tissue from digital images, incorporating 26 different properties to generate an overall prognostic score. By providing individual scores for cancer, immune, and stromal cells, the model elucidates the basis for its overall prognosis, aiding pathologists in understanding the decision-making process.
Looking ahead, there are plans to validate the AI model for clinical use, coinciding with Northwestern Medicine's transition to using digital images for diagnosis over the next three years. They also aim to develop specialized models for different types of breast cancers, enhancing predictive accuracy and providing deeper insights into the biological nuances of these cancers.
The study's implications could lead to a more precise estimation of risk for breast cancer patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their treatment while potentially reducing disparities in care for those diagnosed in community medical centers.
This week Feel For Your Life launched a NEW AI feature, BreastFriendAI. It’s a digital chat device that creates a customized advocacy plan by preparing you for screenings, explaining your pathology reports, and assisting you through follow-ups, treatments and second opinions. Check it out right here. 
