Radiation therapy is one of the protocols most frequently used to treat patients diagnosed with lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Still, the powerful energy that the technology applies carries the risk of damaging healthy tissue. This is why a new study just published in the journal Communications Medicine is being met with such enthusiasm by doctors treating these patients. The report details the creation of an innovative computer model that scientists hope will minimize the risk of this damage.
Artificial Intelligence Helped Create Model That Promises Improved Mesothelioma Treatment
The article in the medical journal details how scientists at the University of Surrey and GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, Darmstadt created a computer model of a human lung that can accurately simulate exactly how radiation will impact the tissue of a specific mesothelioma or lung cancer patient. The technology will examine the interaction of radiation on a granular level, viewing cell-by-cell information to inform physicians about the best way to apply radiation.
The model represents a new iteration of targeted treatments, echoing the way that immunotherapy and chemotherapy are now being used based on mesothelioma patients’ specific genetic and molecular biology. The model’s creators hope that it will be able to show doctors the exact dose that will benefit each individual patient.
Lung Model’s Creator Explains its Future Use in Lung Cancer Patients
Speaking of the promise that the model carries for patients diagnosed with thoracic malignancies like lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma, Dr. Roman Bauer, Senior Lecturer at the University of Surrey, said, “Doctors could one day use our model to choose the right length and strength of radiotherapy—tailored to their patient. This is exciting enough—but others could use our technique to study other organs. This could unlock all kinds of medical knowledge and could be great news for doctors and future patients.”
As has been true of many of the recent innovations that will benefit malignant mesothelioma patients, the researchers used artificial intelligence to create their interactive human lung model.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can connect you with the most advanced care options. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
