How brain tumors can be detected using artificial intelligence (AI)
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most powerful allies for researchers. Not only does it help to do research related to user experience (UX), but its great capacity to be trained offers many more possibilities.
Thus, we can find new utilities and projects in which artificial intelligence can contribute to find specific information in a very beneficial way. A clear example is its integration in chat bots such as Chat GPT, but also in Deep Fakes detection platforms such as VerifAI.
The AI revolution has also reached the healthcare sector to benefit patients. Recently, an AI-enabled tool has been developed that makes it easier for doctors to detect malignant brain tumors and identify them.
How does artificial intelligence help in healthcare?
Most malignant brain tumors that are detected are glioblastoma multiforme, primary nervous system lymphomas or brain metastases from solid tumors. Each one has a totally different treatment and it is important to diagnose it well and as soon as possible, as soon as the symptoms of the brain tumor are identified.
To improve the diagnosis of these varieties of brain tumors, researchers at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), a reference center in oncology in Barcelona, and the neuroradiology unit of the Bellvitge University Hospital (HUB), have worked on the development of a tool called DISCERN that integrates artificial intelligence.
DISCERN (Diagnosi In Susceptibility Contrast Enhancing Regions for Neuroncology) is capable of identifying the three types of tumors mentioned above, through the results of a standard MRI scan.
To train DISCERN, the scans of 40 already diagnosed patients have been used. Through the image obtained from each MRI, the tool has performed a learning of the different patterns with a high level of accuracy. Each MRI scan analyzed contains 50,000 voxels, which are the minimum unit of volume studied in this type of test. By analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of the resonance it is possible to identify the specific behaviors typical of each tumor variety.
Main conclusions of the AI study to detect brain tumors
It is important to keep in mind that, on some occasions, and depending on the diagnosis, it is necessary to perform neurosurgical interventions that can definitely affect the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, during the study, the results offered by AI have been thoroughly reviewed.
The study has involved different patients. The first results are very good and make it possible to consider its use in the future. DISCERN helps to detect tumors with high accuracy and to take appropriate measures before they spread.
Thus, we see how artificial intelligence brings a wide range of benefits to society, with the healthcare sector being just one example of its positive impact. We are in the midst of a significant technological revolution and it is crucial to follow its evolution closely in order to make the most of all its opportunities.
Estudiante de ingeniería industrial eléctrica y administración de sistemas informáticos de red. Experto en diseño e impresión 3D e investigador de seguridad en el equipo de Ideas Locas CDO de Telefónica.
