Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the future of medicine in ONCOLOGY : Dr Purohit

Chennai / New Delhi: Delivering a key note at a webinar on “Digital Technology In Cancer Care ” Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) said that given its accuracy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the future of medicine in oncology .

Speaking to media persons after virtually addressing the webinar organised by the Chennai based Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) , Executive Member of the Federation of Hospital Administrator- Dr Purohit said that
the newly introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) – driven digital Positron Emission Tomography (PET ) and Magnatic Resonance Imaging (MRI) used for detecting cancer are far more effective and efficient than analogue scans that have longer acquisition times, with increased exposure to radiation.

“As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates, there are 1.8-2 million cancer patients in India annually. Diagnosis of cancer is the most essential step in treatment, followed by the staging of cancer in the patient. Few corporate hospitals in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Jaipur and Hyderabad have introduced digital PET scan and PET MR, which are AI-driven, for faster and accurate detection of cancer,” he averred

He said that an AI-powered digital PET scan took three to four minutes, compared to the 12-15-minute radiation exposure in analogue mode.

“As the acquisition time in AI scan is much shorter, radiation exposure is very less — lesser than 10 millisieverts, one-third the dose of the analogue scan. Moreover, digitalisation improves the sensitivity of the scan where doctors can identify much smaller lesions,” he explained.

“In cases of brain tumours, where PET CT scan has its limitations, the PET MR technique has been introduced.” he added

Renowned neuroscientist pointed that in inaccessible locations of a brain, stereotactic biopsies have a possibility to hit a necrotic tissue. The PET MR will help identify the location for diagnosis and treatment and would enable neurologists and neurosurgeons to identify the viable tissues and the necrotic tissues.

He averred that the scan machine comes with a mechanism that adapts to the circumstance, as it sees the tumour size and position, and replans the radiation, thereby reducing the dose to neighbouring tissues, which is the concept of adaptive radiotherapy.

He emphasised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to significantly improve healthcare delivery in India by bridging the critical gaps, particularly in the areas of diagnostics and treatment across underserved regions.

“AI can enhance healthcare delivery while overcoming the constraints of infrastructure and workforce shortages. AI tools have drastically cut down diagnostic times, enabling earlier interventions.” he added.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.                                                                                                                                                                                             Dr. Purohit is also Chief Advisor Hospitals Association  of India  and Chief Investigator  Association of Studies for Kidneycare.