Intelligent oncology: The transformative role of AI in the future of cancer research and care

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize oncology by transforming how we detect, understand, and treat cancer. As cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, integrating AI into research and clinical workflows offers unprecedented opportunities to address its complexity with greater precision, speed, and scale.

This presentation will explore the future prospects of AI in cancer research across five key domains: early detection, biomarker discovery, drug development, personalized treatment planning, and real-world evidence analysis. Recent advances in deep learning, natural language processing, and multi-omics integration are enabling researchers to uncover patterns and insights previously inaccessible through traditional methodologies. AI-powered imaging tools, for example, are now outperforming radiologists in detecting certain tumors, while predictive models using genomic and proteomic data are identifying new therapeutic targets and resistance mechanisms.

We will highlight successful case studies where AI has accelerated drug repurposing, enabled adaptive clinical trial designs, and enhanced patient stratification. Furthermore, the use of AI in analyzing electronic health records and wearable data is reshaping how we understand patient responses and long-term outcomes, making real-time precision oncology a tangible goal.

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. Issues of data quality, interpretability of models, algorithmic bias, and regulatory uncertainty must be addressed. The presentation will emphasize the importance of transparent, collaborative, and ethically guided AI development in oncology.

Finally, we will outline future trajectories and research priorities, including the integration of federated learning for data privacy, the use of generative AI for hypothesis generation, and the development of hybrid models combining mechanistic biology with machine learning.

By bridging computational power with clinical insight, AI is not merely a tool but a catalyst in reimagining cancer research and care. This keynote will provide researchers, clinicians, and policymakers with a forward-looking perspective on how to harness AI responsibly and effectively in the fight against cancer.

Dr. Marika Crohns, MD, PhD, is a distinguished medical doctor with board certifications in oncology and radiotherapy. She earned her PhD with a thesis on biomarkers in lung cancer. With over 30 years of experience, she has held significant roles in academia, clinical practice, and the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Crohns served as Vice President and Global Medical Head for Oncology, Hematology, and Transplant at Sanofi. She currently leads Impactful Innovations Management Consultants LLC, focusing on advancing healthcare through strategic innovation. Dr. Crohns is also an advocate for women's empowerment and sustainability in healthcare.