Artificial Intelligence Aids in Cancer Diagnosis

An artificial intelligence program developed by Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian researchers can distinguish types of cancer from images of cells with almost 100 percent accuracy, according to a new study. This new technology has the potential to augment cancer diagnosis techniques that currently require the human eye. Currently, cancer is diagnosed by visual examination of tissue samples under a microscope. Pathologists consider variables like cell shape, number, mass and appearance when determining whether tissue appears malignant or benign. While accurate analysis is critical to making the right diagnosis, the process can become complicated. "The diversity among cancer cells is very high," said co-senior author Dr. Olivier Elemento, director of the Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, who also leads joint precision medicine efforts at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.