E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
ANA LOURENÇO
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST AT THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY ( NPL )
The new ways of working that became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated the use of digital technologies in healthcare . For example , telehealth , which was previously not standard , has become more widely adopted . This increased usage has also highlighted the untapped potential of these technologies to transform cancer care at every stage , from prevention and early diagnosis , through to treatment and post-treatment support while also enhancing patient and clinician experiences , interactions , and safety . Prevention and early detection are the first line of defence against cancer . Research and development is ongoing to enable personalised risk assessment for cancer through genetic testing and data analytics that facilitates the identification and early intervention for individuals at high risk .
Moreover , health apps and wearable devices that track physical activity and diet will play a crucial role in monitoring lifestyle factors associated with cancer risk . The integration of Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) in these processes will enable accurate predictive modelling for early intervention : and also analysing vast datasets to identify undiscovered patterns that enhance our understanding of cancer . In addition , advanced imaging technologies have led to more accurate identification of cancer . More advanced biopsy and molecular profiling are also essential for accurate diagnosis and determining personalised treatment strategies that are based on the cancer ' s specific genetic makeup .
When it comes to treatment , digital tools are now indispensable for both planning and monitoring . Technologies like software-assisted radiation therapy planning and AI enable a more adaptive and personalised approach to patient treatment strategies . In post-treatment , telemedicine facilitates communication and follow-ups while patient portals provide convenient access to medical records . AI-driven platforms are expected to further customise future support plans by analysing patient-reported outcomes , resulting in personalised post-treatment care .
Active AI-assisted monitoring of outcomes and toxicity in the case of radiotherapy is crucial to feedback into improving diagnosis and treatment for future patients .
Despite the advancements in digital health technologies , considerable challenges remain , including data privacy , uncertainty in measurement and annotations , securing additional funding for the practical development and implementation of technological innovations in clinical practice .
Achieving a broader deployment of remote monitoring , decentralised care , and trustworthy AI in cancer care continues to be an important objective for the future . However , in this digital era , we must not overlook the human aspect of cancer care .
Although digital health technologies are indispensable in improving efficiency and financial sustainability of healthcare systems , they are no substitute for the compassionate support and empathy that only human healthcare professionals can provide to patients .
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