In the quest for a cure for malignant mesothelioma, scientists have long been at a considerable disadvantage. The rare form of asbestos-related cancer’s latency period allows it to grow within the body unnoticed for decades until it is extremely advanced, and traditional treatment approaches have proven insufficient. But researchers in the United Kingdom are leveraging the most advanced technologies to aid their understanding of how the disease spreads. A recent report reflects that, revealing that artificial intelligence is being used to help predict patient responses and survival times.
Genomics Research Yields Helpful Mesothelioma Data
The most recent mesothelioma research, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, was conducted by the Leicester Mesothelioma Research Programme at the University of Leicester. The scientists there used to artificial intelligence to examine the DNA of mesothelioma cells and evaluate their evolution to determine what could be anticipated about its path, its aggressiveness, and its responses to various treatment protocols.
Big Data Facilitates Mesothelioma Understanding
The analysis confirmed that different mesothelioma cells follow certain patterns that are predictable based upon their genetic structure. According to Professor Dean Fennell, Chair of Thoracic Medical Oncology at the University of Leicester and Director of the Leicester Mesothelioma Research Programme,”It has long been appreciated that asbestos causes mesothelioma, however how this occurs remains a mystery. Using AI to interrogate genomic ‘big data’, this initial work shows us that mesotheliomas follow ordered paths of mutations during development, and that these so-called trajectories predict not only how long a patient may survive, but also how to better treat the cancer – something Leicester aims to lead on internationally through clinical trial initiatives.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you know that the rarity of the disease has worked against a robust understanding of its mechanisms. For more information about how artificial intelligence and other technologies are counting those challenges, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
