Artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis and therapy: Current status and future perspective

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare plays a pivotal role in combating many fatal diseases, such as skin, breast, and lung cancer. AI is an advanced form of technology that uses mathematical-based algorithmic principles similar to those of the human mind for cognizing complex challenges of the healthcare unit. Cancer is a lethal disease with many etiologies, including numerous genetic and epigenetic mutations. Cancer being a multifactorial disease is difficult to be diagnosed at an early stage. Therefore, genetic variations and other leading factors could be identified in due time through AI and machine learning (ML). AI is the synergetic approach for mining the drug targets, their mechanism of action, and drug-organism interaction from massive raw data. This synergetic approach is also facing several challenges in data mining but computational algorithms from different scientific communities for multi-target drug discovery are highly helpful to overcome the bottlenecks in AI for drug-target discovery. AI and ML could be the epicenter in the medical world for the diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of almost any disease in the near future. In this comprehensive review, we explore the immense potential of AI and ML when integrated with the biological sciences, specifically in the context of cancer research. Our goal is to illuminate the many ways in which AI and ML are being applied to the study of cancer, from diagnosis to individualized treatment. We highlight the prospective role of AI in supporting oncologists and other medical professionals in making informed decisions and improving patient outcomes by examining the intersection of AI and cancer control. Although AI-based medical therapies show great potential, many challenges must be overcome before they can be implemented in clinical practice. We critically assess the current hurdles and provide insights into the future directions of AI-driven approaches, aiming to pave the way for enhanced cancer interventions and improved patient care.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Cancer; Deep learning; Machine learning; Oncology.