Currently, much of the information provided by scans is underutilized, but this can help maximize its potential.
Amar Rajgoal
The AI software works pixel by pixel, revealing hidden patterns within the tumor that are invisible to the human eye. This acts as a “virtual biopsy” and provides clues about the behavior of the cancer and the extent of the abnormality. This new way of looking at images in such detail is called radiomics.
Rajgaard, an ear, nose and throat specialist, said of his findings: “Radiomics can be thought of as a super-powerful magnifying glass for medical images such as CT scans. It carefully examines even the smallest details that are difficult to see. You can find patterns and irregularities.”
This study revealed two important imaging markers: shape compactness and gray level nonuniformity (GLNU). High levels of these markers indicate that the patient is more likely to die early. An increase in shape compactness amplified the risk of death almost threefold, whereas an increase in GLNU doubled the risk. The results also revealed that these imaging markers work better at predicting survival compared to traditional factors such as age and cancer stage that doctors currently use.
Although many studies have been conducted analyzing all head and neck cancers, these studies are not robust or clinically relevant because all head and neck cancers behave very differently. Also, from the clinician's point of view, he should not be combined into one group for analysis. .
Rajgaard added: “These developments are very exciting because this research could play a major role in guiding treatments and delivering precision medicine in the future. “There is also the possibility of ensuring that patients receive appropriate treatment based on this,” he added. We also hope this will help patients make more informed decisions about the course of their treatment. Another advantage is that this method enhances patient routes by analyzing medical images, rather than altering them. Currently, much of the information from scans is underutilized, but in the future, this technology could also be used to look at scans and track how well patients are responding to treatment. Masu. over time. ”
