Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to using computers for complex tasks that would otherwise need human insight or complete tasks a human could not, such as quickly identify trends across massive datasets.  

Last month, the OCRF proudly announced its participation in a new global partnership comprising four leading ovarian cancer research charities: the Global Ovarian Cancer Research Consortium. 

The Consortium also announced its inaugural project – the AI Accelerator Grant, a $US1 million plus grant to drive progress in using the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. 

How has AI accelerated cancer research?  

One of the most significant impacts AI has had on cancer research is improving imaging and diagnostics (such as MRI scanners), with the latest equipment able to identify the tiniest cancer presence. For example, studies have shown that using AI to evaluate CT scans has increased ability to identify tiny white nodules, improving lung cancer detection rates from 64% to 77%. 

But how exactly could AI open the door to significant advances for the ovarian cancer community?

AI and ovarian cancer: ways AI is already improving research and clinical practice  

How is AI improving ovarian cancer risk prediction and diagnostics?

• In January, researchers from the University of South Australia led by Professor Elina Hypponen published findings that establish the impact of hormonal levels on ovarian cancer risk. This required using data-driven AI to analyse over 200,000 records to identify patterns and risk associations. 
• Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are using AI-driven, carbon nanotube devices which involve atoms linked into tiny cylindrical particles. They have sensors that can create specific ‘ovarian cancer fingerprints’ and could one day be developed into an ovarian cancer early detection blood test. 
• Ovarian Cancer Action (OCA UK) discusses that digital pathology uses AI to evaluate tissue samples much quicker than a doctor can, allowing a person’s subtype of ovarian cancer to be predicted before full diagnosis, providing rapid triaging for the individual to have the most appropriate tests and treatments. 

How is AI improving ovarian cancer treatment?

• Improving precision medicine, research shows machine learning algorithms can help confirm an individual’s ovarian cancer subtype and predict if they will respond to specific treatments. 
• According to OCA UK, AI can better guide who will benefit from chemotherapy as opposed to surgery by using radiomics, a technique where the characteristics of a medical image are analysed by a machine (such as tissue features or lesions) to identify patterns in the scans which can help predict which tumours will shrink after chemotherapy.  

These AI-driven improvements help doctors ensure that patients receive the most effective treatments for their cancer and aren’t burdened unnecessarily with the side effects of treatments that aren’t likely to help them. However, ensuring adherence to privacy laws and strict protection of patient data will be key to integrating AI techniques into standard practice. 

Why does the AI Accelerator grant represent hope for ovarian cancer research progress? 

Surely if the brightest minds from around the world came together, we’d have solutions to ovarian cancer solutions at our fingertips.

Have you ever had this thought? CEOs from the leading international ovarian cancer charities certainly have.  

The AI Accelerator grant builds a bridge between the opportunities AI presents and the leading ovarian cancer experts across globe who are equipped to harness it. Delivered in the collaborative spirit of the consortium, encouraging researchers to work together is at the heart of the grant. The requirement for international teams prompts researchers spanning multiple countries and fields of expertise to work together and forge the type of international partnerships that lead to progress, hope and world-first breakthroughs.    

Read more via our press release and take a look at some of the global headlines the grant announcement has attracted via NBC and Femtech Insider and Oncology News Australia.