Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on the development of computer models and algorithms that provide computers with the instructions to learn and make predictions or decisions. The importance of machine learning in modern medicine cannot be overemphasized. Let’s look at what happened in the case of 28-year-old Lily, who was diagnosed with a rare thymoma. The prognosis was unclear, and her condition presented a unique set of challenges to the medical team. Regular protocols proved unhelpful. However, Lily’s story took an unexpected turn when one of the team members, a data scientist, introduced the team to the cutting-edge field of personalized medicine, integrating machine learning into her treatment plan.
Lily’s treatment plan was initiated with comprehensive genetic sequencing, which involved identifying the specific genetic variations linked to her condition. This step involved the use of sophisticated machine learning algorithms to analyze her genomic data alongside a vast repository of patient records, clinical studies, and treatment outcomes.
The algorithms provided numerous case studies to analyze and matched them with a closely related set of data, identifying patterns within Lily’s genetic makeup and correlating them with similar cases globally. Drawing on this collective knowledge, the machine learning system generated a customized treatment plan tailored specifically to Lily’s genetic profile, medical history, and lifestyle factors. The plan outlined a combination of targeted therapies, personalized medications, and lifestyle recommendations, all designed to maximize the efficacy of her treatment while minimizing side effects.
Lily’s treatment journey provided a template for analyzing the influence and growing adaptation of medical practice to machine learning and personalized medicine. Regular check-ups and continuous monitoring allowed her medical team to adjust her treatment plan based on real-time data and feedback from the machine learning system. With each passing month, Lily’s condition showed significant improvement.
The integration of machine learning into personalized medicine extended beyond Lily’s treatment. The system evolved as it gathered more data and learned from an ever-expanding pool of patient cases. Insights gained from the machine learning model were shared with medical professionals worldwide, fostering collaboration and accelerating advancements in personalized medicine.
Over time, the impact of machine learning and personalized medicine grew exponentially. Patients like Lily, who were once deemed incurable, now had hope. The ability to harness the power of data and algorithms provided medical professionals with the ability to predict disease trajectories, optimize treatment plans, and intervene at critical stages, ultimately saving lives.
In the not-so-distant future, personalized medicine and machine learning will become the first line of defense in diagnosis, therapy, and post-treatment care for patients and general disease management. With personalized medicine, patients will receive treatments designed explicitly for them, empowering them to take an active role in their healthcare journey. Precision and efficiency will become the default practice for machine learning-reliant healthcare providers. This will guide their decisions and provide quicker attention to patients, reduce patient waiting time, and solve the problem of misdiagnosis and trial and error.
Lily’s story, which started with uncertainty, became a beacon of hope for countless individuals facing similar challenges. Her experience showcased the transformative potential of machine learning and personalized medicine, highlighting the remarkable possibilities that arise when technology and compassion unite in the pursuit of healing.
With Lily, the world of therapy opens up to a new vista where remote diagnosis and algorithm-driven matching analysis are done. AI-reliant companies like Tempus have revolutionized patient care through high-quality testing, clinical trial matching, and deep research data that powers scientific discovery. With over 100 petabytes (15 zeros) of medical data to deal with, machine learning and personalized medicine have become inseparable allies, upscaling the landscape of healthcare, one life at a time.
Machine learning is particularly important in areas such as predictive analysis, where it solves many commonly encountered problems in operational analysis, improves patient outcomes, and efficient resource allocation is another area of great need, especially in drug testing and clinical trials. In January 2023, pharmaceutical giant, Sanofi announced a new research collaboration and license agreement with Exscientia, a company that aims to design and develop novel, precision-engineered drugs with an improved probability of clinical success. The partnership is meant to accelerate drug discovery with artificial intelligence and develop up to 15 new small molecule medicines for cancer and immune-mediated diseases.
With time, machine learning will greatly influence the field of medicine. Although broadly discussed, other branches of machine learning, such as predictive machine learning, enterprise machine learning, and geospatial machine learning, contribute to the overall success of integrating machine learning-based tools into medical practice.
For starters, the interest in ML might begin with a random Google search for ‘machine learning for absolute beginners.’ As a trained clinical radiographer who also doubles as an academic researcher, I developed a proactive interest in learning machine learning, deep learning, and ML. Initially, I explored the Azure Machine Learning Studio, but subsequently, the data science and machine learning curriculum by DeepLearningAi founder Andrew Ng on Coursera proved to be unputdownable. With tools like the Microsoft Machine Learning Studio (Azure Machine Learning Studio) and repositories like Deep Learning GitHub, students have a wide range of resources to pursue a comprehensive machine learning program.
Now, let’s return to why I mentioned my professional occupation in passing. In radiology, we deal with real-time and static image analysis to diagnose diseases and plan treatment. Often, it is important that this is done with the utmost level of prediction and accuracy. However, the skepticism of radiologists and other radiology practitioners about artificial intelligence is unfounded and not warranted. Unlike the 2016 prediction by Geoffrey Hinton, the father of AI, about the bleak future of radiologists due to the advancement of AI, we’ve seen over the years that AI in radiology is only a corollary.
Radiology and its widespread practice involve subjective interpretations in the process of diagnosis and therapy, hence it is almost difficult to walk with the assumption that such a claim will hold water. With AI, image recognition algorithms and genetic analysis tools will only aid in personalized medicine to enhance diagnostic accuracy, acting as a reference tool or a second eye rather than the capo di tutti capi of imaging.
On the contrary, in deference to the arguments that are borderline on its ethical implications, recent research on machine learning in medicine offers valuable insights into the responsible and equitable deployment of it. The questions about bias in algorithmic decision-making and healthcare distribution disparities are rather solved primarily by stringent regulations on the quality, diversity, and representation of the data values. With comprehensive and inclusive datasets that adequately represent diverse populations, researchers can reduce bias in machine learning models. It is important to continuously evaluate and update data sources to reflect the diversity of the population.
Machine learning and personalized medicine are constantly developing side by side. They offer a leeway out of the tech-optimized global healthcare practice. With machine learning, a paradigm shift unfolds in healthcare. There is a premise for the transformation of how diseases are understood, diagnosed, and treated. By leveraging the power of machine learning algorithms and tailoring medical interventions to individuals, healthcare providers can optimize patient outcomes, minimize adverse effects, and deliver more effective, patient-centered care.
With the convergence of technology and medicine, there is an increasing need for collaboration. For instance, the partnership between Pfizer and CytoReason for AI-driven drug discovery presents an unprecedented opportunity to revolutionize drug delivery and ultimately improve the lives of patients worldwide.
Author’s Note: This blog post was AI-guided. However, it was the product of a delightful collaboration with my trusty AI assistant. The human touch added creativity and context, while the AI contributed its algorithmic prowess.
For all inquiries, collaborations, and engaging discussions, connect by sending an email to joshuakayceogbonna@gmail.com. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the AI healthcare revolution! Act now and open the door to endless possibilities.
