Data Science and AI: The Future is Now
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As recognized leaders in cancer research, Huntsman Cancer Institute physicians and scientists are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate discoveries and improve patient care.
When I was appointed senior director of data science in October 2022, one of my top priorities was to empower individuals and teams to translate data-driven insights into tangible clinical innovations. In the past year, we have held AI town halls where people across the institute have shared how they use AI in their daily tasks and learned from one another.
From harmonizing data sets to predicting the structure of proteins, AI tools are aiding our experts at Huntsman Cancer Institute in many ways and with promising results. For example, physician-scientist Jonathan Tward, MD, PhD, professor of radiation oncology at the , and a team of collaborators developed an AI model that can analyze a biopsy sample and, with extreme accuracy, predict how prostate cancer patients respond to different treatments. The AI model, trained on more than 20 years of data from prostate biopsy tissues and patient outcomes, enables doctors to deliver more personalized treatment plans to patients.
“AI tools will help us achieve our vision.”
Another study from Huntsman Cancer Institute found that a specialized AI chatbot can effectively help patients decide if they should pursue genetic testing based on their family health history. This innovative tool expands access to lifesaving genetic services, helping us achieve our goal of improving cancer care access for all.
As we look to the future of cancer research, Huntsman Cancer Institute is also committed to training the next generation of data scientists who will use innovative technologies like AI to help find the next cure. To support this educational mission, I have overseen the creation of both an oncological data science master’s program and a PhD training program, equipping students with the skills to apply data science and AI techniques to cancer research. This is part of my role serving as an executive advisory member of the University of Utah’s . Data science and AI will also be a signature research initiative at our second Comprehensive Cancer Center location underway in Utah County.
Beginning in 2024, we also partnered with The Leonardo museum in Salt Lake City on an exhibit and speaker series about AI and cancer research. This initiative aims to educate the community on how we are using AI to advance data-driven discoveries.
Even as AI rapidly transforms cancer research, one thing remains constant: Huntsman Cancer Institute’s vision of delivering a cancer-free frontier through scientific discovery and human touch. AI tools will help us achieve this vision. For example, some physicians now use AI tools with patients’ consent to transcribe consultations and streamline medical records. By automating this time-consuming task, physicians can dedicate more time to providing compassionate, personalized care.
As we continue to integrate AI into cancer research and care, Huntsman Cancer Institute remains committed to improving the lives of patients and their families.
Aik Choon Tan, PhD
Senior Director, Data Science & AI
Huntsman Cancer Institute
Professor of Oncological Sciences
University of Utah