New AI Tool Targets Lobular Breast Cancer

Artificial intelligence may soon help doctors identify one of the most elusive forms of breast cancer.

According to Fox News, researchers at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC – James) are developing an AI-based tool that could predict which patients are more likely to develop lobular breast cancer or experience a recurrence after treatment. This form of cancer makes up about 10% to 15% of U.S. breast cancer cases and is notoriously difficult to detect.

Unlike ductal carcinoma, lobular cancer doesn’t form a lump. It grows in a single-file pattern that creates subtle thickening on imaging, rather than a visible mass. According to the Fox News story, this structure makes it harder to catch early, and in some cases, it isn’t diagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body.

Lead researcher Dr. Arya Roy told Fox News that current imaging techniques and genomic tests often fail to clearly identify lobular cases or predict recurrence risk. “We urgently need better tools,” Roy said. “If we know a patient has a 10% increased chance of this cancer coming back in five years, then we can keep that patient in close surveillance.”

AI Model in Development

The OSU team is developing a risk prediction tool that combines artificial intelligence with digital pathology images. The model scans for biomarkers and links them to patients’ clinical data to estimate recurrence risk over the next decade.

The tool isn’t yet ready for clinical use, but trials and further studies are underway. According to Roy, the goal is to apply this scoring system to all lobular breast cancer patients in the future.

I Will Support, Not Replace, Radiologists

Castro also emphasized that AI isn’t a replacement for radiologists but a complement. He cautioned that algorithms must be trained on diverse, real-world data before becoming standard practice.

Still, researchers are hopeful. Roy believes the tool could give both patients and providers better clarity, and more control, when managing lobular breast cancer risk.