Japanese Group Aims to Utilize AI for Cancer Treatment

Tokyo, Nov. 29 (Jiji Press)--The National Cancer Center and two other Japanese entities said Tuesday that they will develop a cancer diagnosis and treatment system utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze such big data as clinical information on patients. The group aims to put such a system into practical use within five years in order to provide optimal treatment tailored to conditions of each patient. The other members of the group are Preferred Networks Inc., an AI start-up firm, and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. The group plans to develop a system to integrate and analyze different kinds of data such as clinical information on cancer patients, genetic codes and literature information, by using AI technology including deep learning. With the system, the group aims to realize an early diagnosis, find and select effective treatment and develop new drugs. It is important to utilize AI technologies for cancer treatment, Hiroyuki Mano, chief of the National Cancer Center Research Institute, said at a press conference. The group aims to help Japan catch up with other nations in AI use for medical treatment by promoting development through joint efforts by the industry, government and academic sectors, he added. END