Saving the Saved: How AI & Digital Tools Empower Cancer Survivors

Authored by - Dr Neil Sequeira, Chief Operating Officer at Thane Cancer Hospital

Every year, millions of people around the world beat cancer, but the journey doesn't end with remission. The journey to recovery and beyond is filled with unique challenges and triumphs. Cancer can feel like a tough race with an uncertain finish line. Even after people are declared cancer-free, there is the “Sword of Damocles” which hangs above the survivor which is the threat of recurrence. While over the past year, society has been much more receptive and sympathetic to survivors, the ordeal of fighting the disease and uncertain future keeps them isolated from mainstream society.

Just like any other system the entire machinery ought to and is focused on fighting the disease and improving survivor rates. Ironically though there is a lot more to be done on the one who has survived to ensure that they are physiologically and psychologically alert of any sign or markers of recurrence and during this course keep them engaged, motivated, and happy. In other words, this is saving the ones who we have saved.

When cancer treatment is completed, there’s a lot to process. Many people feel relieved after completing cancer treatment, some miss the routine and regular contact with their oncologist. Although they and their families hope to move on, cancer survivors often continue to face physical, emotional, and social challenges. Some even develop cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder.

In India, according to research done in 2018, the 5-year overall survival is 70%, much less than the developed countries​ (BMJ)​. Different types of challenges like Facing survivorship, Emotional distress, Fatigue, Loss of sense of self, persistent or chronic pain, Fear of recurrence, etc.​ (PubMed)​ When it comes to Return to work and Relationships it becomes more difficult.

The key focus of the Cancer Survivor program should be identifying and addressing key survivor/family needs like sexual health, late/long-term effects, self-care, and empowerment.

In the era of digitization, All these challenges can be addressed using technology. Following are some ideas:

1. Engagement programs: Engagement among survivor patients who went through cancer phases

2. AI and ML algorithms can help in the predictive analysis of large amounts of patient data, including medical history, genetic information, and treatment responses, to predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence. ​(AACR)​

3. By integrating multiomics data (genomics, proteomics, etc.), AI can help create highly personalized treatment plans to the unique genetic makeup and health profile of each survivor.

4. This technology can continuously monitor survivors for signs of recurrence through regular analysis of medical imaging, blood tests, and other biomarkers. Identifying potential issues early enables timely intervention, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful treatment.

5. AI-driven Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) can assist oncologists by offering evidence-based recommendations for follow-up care and management of long-term side effects. ​(BMC)​

6. Many cancer care centers adopted telemedicine to continue providing care to survivors. This allowed survivors to consult with oncologists remotely, ensuring continuity of care and reducing the risk of exposure to the different viruses that attack them due to low immunity.

7. Wearable devices and mobile health applications can track vital signs and symptoms, providing real-time data to oncologists and enabling prompt responses to any abnormalities. E.g. Indian Cancer Society's Rise Against Cancer Mobile App.

8. Personalized AI can help in recommendations for diet, exercise, and mental health. These interventions can help survivors maintain a healthy lifestyle, reducing the risk of recurrence

9. Machine learning model using XGBoost help in risk stratification for survivors based on their risk of recurrence, allowing oncologists to prioritize high-risk patients for more intensive monitoring and follow-up care.​ (BMJ)​

10. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can provide survivors with continuous support and education, answering questions, and offering guidance on managing their health eg. Ada Health. It also can help them to express their feelings and motivate them to reunite with society without any stigma. ​(Coherent Solutions, n.d.)​

While technology is a game changer the player who plays are playing humans.

(Inspired by my association with two brilliant techno-savy doctors - Dr Prathamesh Pai and Dr Gurumukh Advani, A technology devoid amazing human onco-anesthetist Dr Meher Elavia and technically brilliant student Neelam Seervi)

​​References:

​​AACR. (n.d.). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Technologies in Cancer Care: Addressing Disparities, Bias, and Data Diversity. Retrieved from https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/12/6/1423/699159/Artificial-Intelligence-and-Machine-Learning

​BMC. (n.d.). Patients-centered SurvivorShIp care plan after Cancer treatments based on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence technologies (PERSIST): a multicenter study protocol to evaluate efficacy of digital tools supporting cancer survivors. https://bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12911-021-01603-w. Retrieved from https://bmcmedinformdecismak.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12911-021-01603-w

​BMJ. (n.d.). Novel machine learning algorithm in risk prediction model for pan-cancer risk: application in a large prospective cohort. Retrieved from https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000087

​BMJ, S. (n.d.). Artificial intelligence across oncology specialties: current applications and emerging tools. BMJ. Retrieved from https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000134

​Cancer survival data emphasise importance of early diagnosis. (n.d.). BMJ.

​Cancer survival data emphasise importance of early diagnosis. (n.d.). BMJ.

​Coherent Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from How AI Chatbots Advance Healthcare for Patients and Providers: https://www.coherentsolutions.com/insights/how-ai-chatbots-advance-healthcare-for-patients-and-providers

​Global perspectives on cancer survivorship: From lost in transition to leading into the future. (n.d.). PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6516397/

​PubMed. (n.d.). Global perspectives on cancer survivorship: From lost in transition to leading into the future. BMJ. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6516397/

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[Disclaimer: This is an authored article, DHN is not liable for the claims made in the same.]