Benefits of AI in Transforming Cancer Care

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in oncology, offering significant benefits across the cancer care continuum. Through advanced image analysis, AI enables earlier and more accurate diagnosis by detecting subtle abnormalities in radiology, pathology, and liquid biopsy data that may elude conventional assessment. Integrating multi-omics, clinical, and imaging datasets, AI supports highly personalized treatment planning, predicting therapeutic responses and guiding the selection of targeted agents and immunotherapies. Machine learning models also facilitate rapid drug discovery and repurposing, and improve patient access to clinical trials by matching tumor molecular profiles with trial eligibility criteria. In local therapies, AI enhances surgical navigation and radiotherapy planning, increasing precision while sparing healthy tissues. Continuous patient monitoring through wearable devices, electronic health records, and laboratory data allows AI systems to identify complications or recurrence earlier than standard follow-up methods. In supportive and palliative care, AI-driven tools anticipate side effects, optimize symptom management, and provide language, literacy, and psychological support. Furthermore, AI-enabled tele-oncology and translation services expand cancer care to underserved populations, addressing disparities in access. While ethical, regulatory, and technical challenges remain, the integration of AI into oncology holds immense promise for improving diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic efficacy, and quality of life for cancer patients worldwide.