IBM Workers to Use Watson Supercomputer to Find Cancer Treatments

IBM ibm says it is trying to make it a little easier for its American workers to find the best cancer treatments. Beginning in January 2017, IBM employees in the U.S. will be able to use Watson supercomputer technology to help find the most effective oncology drugs and clinical trials for their specific cancers, IBM announced. "For anyone receiving the diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through it, cancer can be overwhelming," Kyu Rhee, MD, chief health officer, IBM Watson Health, said in the release, adding, "With this first-ever U.S. rollout of the technology, the full breadth and depth of Watson's services can benefit an entire population of individuals who need them." It's unclear just how much of IBM's workforce will receive the benefits (the firm has 377,000 employees worldwide, although it doesn't specify how many are in the U.S.) but the company says that many of the services will be covered by several of its American health plans. IBM's push into health care has been defined by its data-driven approach, especially when it comes to cancer.