Page 124 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Oncology care with AI chatbots and assistants

multifaceted nature of cancer, including (i) medical and clinical practice. Machine learning (ML) algorithms are
oncology, which utilizes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, increasingly used to analyze complex datasets from medical
and other pharmacological treatments, (ii) radiation images, pathology slides, and genomic profiles. These
oncology, which employs radiation therapy to target algorithms provide valuable insights that allow for highly
cancer cells, and (iii) surgical oncology, which focuses personalized treatment plans. AI-driven image analysis,
on the removal of tumors through surgery. In addition to for instance, has demonstrated high accuracy in detecting
treatment, oncology emphasizes prevention, surveillance cancers, such as breast, lung, and skin cancers, often
after treatment, and palliative care for advanced cancer outperforming human specialists in diagnostic accuracy.
5,6
stages. The holistic management of cancer typically AI also plays an essential role in predictive modeling, helping
involves a multidisciplinary team comprising oncologists, to forecast treatment responses and identify new drug
diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and candidates for targeted therapies. This shift not only improves
7
palliative care specialists. This collaborative approach aims patient care but also accelerates research by automating data
to optimize patient outcomes by enhancing survival rates, analysis and uncovering previously unrecognized patterns in
alleviating symptoms, and improving the quality of life of cancer progression and treatment response. 8,9
patients throughout their cancer journey.
In addition, technologies, such as CRISPR gene editing,
Historically, oncology faced significant challenges due to have shown great promise in modifying immune cells to
the limited knowledge of cancer’s biological mechanisms and specifically target cancer cells, marking a significant step
inadequate advanced diagnostic and treatment tools. Early forward in the treatment of challenging cancers, such
approaches were primarily based on physical examinations, as multiple myeloma and sarcoma. 10,11 This innovative
rudimentary surgical methods, and herbal remedies, which approach is currently being explored in early-phase
offered minimal efficacy in treating the disease. The absence clinical trials and holds promise for revolutionizing cancer
of understanding regarding cancer as a cellular and genetic therapies. Meanwhile, robotic surgery enables precise,
process hampered early detection and precise treatment minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery
strategies. Consequently, effective diagnosis and intervention times and improve patient outcomes. 12,13 Molecular-level
were nearly impossible. However, advancements in modern advancements, such as cryo-electron microscopy, provide
molecular biology, imaging technologies, and advanced invaluable insights into cancer biology, further advancing
therapeutic modalities have significantly transformed drug development and therapeutic options. Despite these
14
oncology. These innovations have revolutionize dearly groundbreaking advances, challenges remain, particularly
detection and targeted treatment options, offering hope for in ensuring equitable access to these technologies and
improved patient outcomes. Technological advancements validating their clinical applications for widespread use.
are crucial in addressing historical challenges related to early Nonetheless, as the field continues to evolve, the integration
detection, personalized treatment, and expanding access of these cutting-edge technologies in oncology promises to
to care, thus significantly improving patient outcomes. redefine the field by improving patient care and enhancing
Advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging technologies and our overall understanding of cancer.
genomic sequencing, have revolutionized cancer detection,
allowing for earlier and more precise identification of AI is increasingly leveraged in oncology to enhance
malignancies. This technological progress has facilitated the patient care and support. One of the notable developments
development of precision medicine, where treatments can is RITA, an AI-powered chatbot developed by Velindre
be tailored to a patient’s unique genetic makeup, enhancing Cancer Centre and recognized as the first virtual assistant
15
efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. 1-3 specifically trained in oncology. RITA assists patients and
their families by answering frequently asked questions,
Furthermore, telehealth has emerged as a vital tool offering information about cancer services, and providing
in extending oncology care to patients in remote or guidance on emotional and psychological well-being. This
underserved regions, thereby broadening access to essential chatbot is available 24/7, making it an invaluable tool for
services. This is particularly crucial in both high- and patients to access information at their convenience, thus
low-income areas, where access to specialized cancer care reducing the burden on healthcare staff and improving
may otherwise be limited. The scope of technology in patient empowerment. The chatbot development was
oncology is vast and continues to evolve, with significant inspired by the real-life receptionist, Rita, who played a
contributions from artificial intelligence (AI), molecular key role in supporting patients for many years. RITA’s
biology, robotics, and digital health platforms. 4 functionality is designed to improve patient experience
One of the most notable technological advancements is by providing reliable information and alleviating some
AI, which has made substantial strides in oncology research of the challenges in understanding cancer diagnoses and

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 116 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6251