Integrating AI and Other Technological Innovations into Cancer Care

AI may potentially assist with numerous steps within the radiology workflow, including acquiring and reconstructing images, triaging cases and completing computer-assisted diagnoses, according to Dr. Chung, a professor of radiation oncology and neuroradiology as well as vice president and chief data and analytics officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“There is also great potential for AI to enable quantitative imaging and extraction of deeper insights from the imaging data to guide precision medicine,” Dr. Chung said.

Dr. Jaffray, a professor of radiation physics and imaging physics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, also serves as the institution’s senior vice president and chief technology and digital officer.

“AI technologies make us re-examine our decision-making processes in ways we haven’t had to in the past,” Dr. Jaffray noted. “Failure to take a closer look at how humans make decisions and the data they rely on will result in many false starts and not realize the potential value of these technologies.”

“We have restructured our organization to integrate the domains of technology, data and innovation to support this new period of extremely rapid technological development,” Dr. Jaffray said. “The approach relies on thoughtful aspects of people, processes and technologies that require an appreciation of an enabling culture and guiding principles.”

Dr. Chung noted that MD Anderson puts an emphasis on fostering cultural engagement around team data science. Some of the ways it does this include investing in collective learning about how to best leverage data science tools, building shared contextual understanding of the institution’s data and establishing a holistic, transparent and accountable approach to data governance.

Data stewardship is a shared responsibility, Dr. Chung asserted.

“By ensuring strong data stewardship practices,” she continued, “we can build trust and confidence in the insights we gather from the data.”

Effective adoption and use of rapidly evolving technology is a critical skill to support the complexity of cancer care, Dr. Chung, noting that, “this starts with a clear definition of the purpose, or problem that needs to be solved.”

“Data-driven innovation is the critical and robust path for managing technology in health care,” she added. “This requires new constructs and deep partnerships across all stakeholders in the organization.”

Access the presentation, “RSNA/AAPM Symposium: Together We Can Make A Difference,” (R4-PL07) on demand at RSNA.org/MeetingCentral.