AI Innovation Set to Transform Women’s Cancer Treatment in Victoria

Researchers in British Columbia are on the verge of enhancing women’s cancer treatment through an innovative application of artificial intelligence. Dr. Jessica McAlpine and Dr. Ali Bashashati, leading figures at BC Cancer and the University of British Columbia (UBC), are pioneering a method to improve the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial cancer, which ranks as the sixth most common cancer among women. This initiative could soon be implemented in Victoria, British Columbia.

Endometrial cancer often presents challenges for accurate diagnosis because its cells can appear ambiguous under traditional microscopy. Consequently, this ambiguity increases the likelihood of inconsistent or subjective diagnoses. Determining appropriate treatment can thus be complex for healthcare providers. The research team has made significant strides by categorizing endometrial cancer into four distinct groups, each associated with varying clinical outcomes. Yet, a diverse group remained difficult to classify, leading to the development of the AI-based ProMisE test.

AI’s Role in Precision Treatment

According to Dr. McAlpine, the AI system has the capability to analyze tumour images and identify features that may elude pathologists and conventional molecular tools. “We were able to look at these images of tumors and identify things that the pathologist couldn’t see and that the molecular tools couldn’t identify,” she stated. This technology can help pinpoint which patients appear to have a positive prognosis but may actually face poorer outcomes, allowing doctors to tailor treatment strategies effectively.

Dr. McAlpine emphasized that AI could also help in reducing unnecessary treatments for some patients. “Because of the tools we now have, some patients can avoid the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation altogether,” she noted. The implementation of these AI tools, which involve advanced scanners and hardware, could begin in centers like Victoria within the next year, contingent on securing philanthropic funding and necessary approvals.

“We plan to pilot it in a couple of centers, and Victoria is potentially one of those,” Dr. McAlpine added. The city could play a crucial role in this initiative, especially given its strong research and oncology teams. This project carries personal significance for Dr. Brad Nelson, who was recently appointed the Immunotherapy Research Chair at BC Cancer in Victoria. Dr. Nelson has previously expressed concern over the lack of research focused on women’s cancers, a topic close to his heart.

The legacy of the Trev & Joyce Deeley Research Centre in Victoria further underscores the importance of this research. Established in 2003 following a $5 million donation in memory of Joyce Deeley, who succumbed to ovarian cancer, the center aims to advance cancer research and treatment.

Impact on Gynecological Cancer Research

Dr. William Litchfield, associate vice president of the BC Cancer Foundation (Vancouver Island), highlighted the critical nature of this research. “Gynecological cancers are some of the most difficult cancers to treat and historically are an understudied area of cancer research,” he stated, reflecting on the potential of the innovative work being conducted at BC Cancer. “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, observed in September, which aims to raise awareness about these cancers. Dr. McAlpine noted that while the application of AI in this context is a promising start, it is merely the beginning. “There are so many other applications we’re also looking at,” she said. The goal is to offer a more personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that patients are not subjected to a one-size-fits-all methodology.

As this research progresses, the integration of AI into cancer care has the potential to redefine treatment protocols, leading to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery. With Victoria poised to be at the forefront of this transformation, the future of women’s cancer treatment in British Columbia looks promising.