• As Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI) sensitises health stakeholders
The Vice Chancellor of Summit University Offa, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, has rated the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against cancer as profound and multifaceted.
The VC noted that AI is revolutionising the way in which cancer is diagnosed and treated in the medical sector.
Prof. Aibinu made this revelation at a webinar organised by the Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI) to sensitise health stakeholders on May 11.
The webinar brought together leading experts in information communication technology and robotics, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer care within the Nigerian context.
According to the Summit University VC, “AI has made a significant impact across a myriad of industries, especially in healthcare. The primary aim of AI applications in healthcare is to analyse links between prevention or treatment approaches and patient outcomes.”
He said healthcare organisations will deliver more effectively by harnessing the power of AI.
“AI has immense potential to transform every aspect of healthcare, from diagnosis and treatment to administration and research. By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare organisations can deliver more effective, personalised, and accessible care to patients worldwide.
“The impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the fight against cancer is profound and multifaceted, revolutionising the way cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed. AI algorithms can analyse medical imaging data such as mammograms, MRIs, and CT scans to detect early signs of cancer with high accuracy. By identifying subtle abnormalities that human observers may miss, AI enhances early detection, enabling prompt intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes. Similarly, AI enhances risk stratification in patients identified with a higher risk of developing specific cancers, prompting earlier screening.”
Speaking on cancer treatment planning and decision support, Prof. Aibinu said AI enables the development of personalised treatment plans tailored to cancer patient’s genetic makeup, tumour characteristics, and individual preferences.
“By analysing large-scale genomic and clinical datasets, AI algorithms can identify biomarkers, predict treatment responses, and recommend targeted therapies most likely adequate for each patient,” he added.
“Similarly, AI accelerates the discovery process by analysing vast amounts of biomedical data to identify potential drug candidates, predict their efficacy and safety profiles, and optimise their molecular structures. AI-driven drug discovery platforms enable the rapid screening of large chemical libraries, leading to the discovery of novel cancer therapeutics and repurposing of existing drugs for cancer treatment.
“AI-powered wearable devices and mobile health apps enable remote monitoring of cancer patients’ symptoms, medication adherence, and treatment-related side effects to monitor recurrence after treatment. AI algorithms analyse data from these devices to provide personalised health insights, offer timely interventions, and empower patients to participate actively in their care management. Additionally, AI can analyse data to identify patients with a higher risk of recurrence, allowing doctors to develop personalised follow-up plans with more frequent monitoring.”
In her own remarks, the Executive Director KCHI, Madinat Hassan, said artificial intelligence has presented unprecedented opportunities for stakeholders to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
She noted that the country can overcome barriers to access and improve diagnostic accuracy when the power of AI-driven technologies is harnessed.
For her part, Head, Radiology Department, Barau Dikko University Teaching Hospital, Dr Bilkisu Farouk Usman, who is also a member of KCHI Board of Trustees, emphasized the need for early screening of breast cancer to ensure early treatment.
According to the organisers, the webinar drew participants from various regions across the world, underscoring the huge interest and urgency surrounding the adoption of AI in cancer care.
“As Nigeria strives to address the growing burden of cancer and enhance the quality of care for patients nationwide, initiatives like the “Artificial Intelligence and Cancer Care” webinar serve as a cornerstone for progress and innovation in the healthcare sector.
“Together, we are forging a future where AI-powered solutions empower healthcare professionals and improve patients’ outcomes in the battle against cancer,” the organisers said.