AI can improve health outcomes in cancer treatment
Hyderabad: Doctors declared his condition hopeless, but artificial intelligence (AI) gave him a second chance. In a seminar on ‘Reducing Cancer Mortality – The Role of Technology’, experts shared how a rare blood disorder patient was saved by a treatment model developed by AI.
The session was jointly organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and Swastava Cancer Care (SCC) on Saturday.
Bhavesh Mishra, deputy secretary, ITEC, shared the case of Joseph Coates, diagnosed with POEMS syndrome—a rare and often fatal blood disorder. Doctors had given up hope, offering him two grim choices: “Die at home or die in hospital.” However, an unconventional treatment combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy and steroids — formulated not by a doctor but by an AI model — led to a dramatic turnaround. Within a week, Coates began recovering, and in four months, he was ready for a stem cell transplant.
“Drug repurposing isn’t new, but machine learning has revolutionised the process,” Mishra said. “AI is accelerating discovery and offering new hope for patients with rare diseases. But it must be used responsibly.” He added that the Telangana government was promoting ethical AI use through initiatives like AI4PublicGood, in partnership with industry, academia, and government departments.
Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal, president of FTCCI, highlighted the gravity of the cancer crisis in India. “Over 15 lakh new cases are recorded annually, with 9 lakh deaths — a mortality rate of 65 per cent, the highest in the world,” he said. “Cancer is not just a health crisis but also a financial catastrophe. Families drain their savings, sell jewellery and property and fall into debt.”
In a panel discussion, Dr Srinivasulu, director of MNJ Hospital, revealed that more than 60 per cent of cancers in Telangana were lifestyle-related. He cited that 52,000 new cases were reported in 2018, projected to rise to 65,000 by 2030.
“Tragically, 70 per cent are detected at stage III or IV, and only 30 to 35 per cent receive treatment, compared to 60 to 65 per cent in the West,” he noted. A Swastava Cancer Care report for 2022-23 was released at the event.
