What is a Bio-Imaging Bank, and How Does it Help in Detecting Cancer?

Context: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, is addressing the shortage of cancer specialists through AI in cancer detection.

Bio-Imaging Bank: A Revolution in Cancer Detection

• TMH established a ‘Bio-Imaging Bank’ utilizing deep learning for an AI-driven early-stage cancer detection algorithm.
• The project incorporates data from 60,000 patients, focusing on head neck and lung cancers.
• Financial Assistance: The Department of Biotechnology funds the project in partnership with institutions such as IIT-Bombay, RGCIRC-New Delhi, AIIMS-New Delhi and PGIMER-Chandigarh. 

What is a Bio-Imaging Bank?

Definition: It is a compilation of radiology and pathology images linked to clinical information, outcome statistics, treatment specifics, and additional metadata.

Mechanism: It employs Biosensing with light to generate non-invasive visual representations of biological processes in cells, tissues, and anatomy for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Bioimaging aims to intervene in biological processes with minimal disruption.
• It is utilized for acquiring information on the 3-D structure of an observed specimen externally, without physical disturbance.

What is the Role of AI that Contributes to the Identification of Cancer?

• Data Analysis by AI: It examines extensive databases of radiological and pathological images to identify features associated with specific malignancies.
• Early Identification: AI helps in Early detection of disease. It is achieved by identifying tissue changes and potential cancers.
• Utilization of Patient Data: Comprehensive patient data generated through detailed imaging helps understand behavior, treatment response, disease recurrence, and life expectancy.

• • AI and machine learning utilize this data to create predictions for cancer survival and guide treatment aggressiveness.
• Cancer Image Bank: Creating a cancer image bank facilitates the development of algorithms for various tumors.
  • Treatment responses are assessed solely through images, allowing the avoidance of unnecessary chemotherapy for predicted non-responders.
• Reduced Radiation for Children: Establishing a cancer image bank has led to a 40% reduction in radiation exposure for pediatric patients undergoing CT scans.
  • This reduction ensures lower radiation exposure for children while maintaining diagnostic quality without compromise.
• Optimizing Resource Deployment: AI can automate routine responsibilities in pathology and radiology. 
  • It enables healthcare professionals to concentrate on intricate cases and enhance patient care.

Challenges With AI Use

• Inequality Propagation: AI models, if trained on biased data, can exacerbate existing healthcare disparities, leading to unequal access and diagnosis.
• Data Quality and Quantity: Effective AI models demand substantial amounts of high-quality data that create challenges in accessing and ensuring consistency across diverse populations.
• Privacy Concerns: Utilizing sensitive medical data for AI development raises concerns about patient privacy and data security. Thus, there is a need to implement robust safeguards and transparent data handling practices.
• Regulatory Challenges: Integrating AI into clinical practice necessitates clear regulatory frameworks to ensure safety, efficacy, and ethical use. Establishing standardized guidelines and approval processes is vital for widespread adoption.
• Infrastructure and Expertise: Implementation and maintenance of AI systems require robust infrastructure and skilled professionals. These resources may not be readily available in all healthcare settings, especially in resource-constrained regions, posing challenges.

Also Refer: Casgevy Therapy – A Gene Therapy For Sickle Cell Disease

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence (AI) in treating cancer has great potential to change how we approach healthcare however, all the challenges, like biased data, rules, and insufficient infrastructure, need to be solved for AI to be used fairly and effectively in healthcare. 

News Source: Indian Express

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