The Power of Machine Learning in Cancer Research w/ Oncologist Dr. Ankit Kansagra (Ep. 50)

How Immunotherapy and AI are Transforming Cancer Care: Insights from a Pioneer

The most promising breakthroughs in cancer treatment are now tied to innovations in immunotherapy and artificial intelligence (AI). These advances are profoundly shaping patient care by enhancing how therapies are discovered, developed, and administered. Dr. Ankit Kansagra, a senior oncology expert, discusses the progress and future direction of cancer treatment, particularly in conditions like multiple myeloma, where survival times have extended remarkably over recent years. Central to this progress is the ability to empower the immune system and leverage AI, both of which are changing the landscape of cancer treatment.

A Decade of Progress in Treating Multiple Myeloma

Dr. Kansagra’s work highlights a rapid transformation in oncology, exemplified by the strides made in treating multiple myeloma, a rare and difficult-to-treat blood cancer. Not long ago, the average survival period for patients with multiple myeloma was around three years. Today, thanks to advancements in therapies, many patients are living over a decade or longer. Such gains emphasize the essential role of clinical trials, patient participation, and the foundational research that accelerates therapeutic advancements. By innovating treatments and making them available through clinical trials, physicians are redefining the outlook for this and similar cancers.

The notion of a "cure" for cancer extends beyond merely eradicating the disease. Dr. Kansagra introduces a broader definition that encapsulates three main elements: disease elimination, freedom from ongoing medication, and a restored life expectancy comparable to that of a person without the disease. This holistic approach goes beyond the traditional focus on remission to include long-term quality of life and health, illustrating a shift in how physicians conceptualize and work toward curing complex conditions, not only in oncology but in other chronic diseases as well.

Immunotherapy: Training the Immune System to Fight Cancer

One of the most groundbreaking advancements in oncology has been the application of immunotherapy. By harnessing and enhancing a patient’s immune response, immunotherapies can effectively target and eliminate cancer cells. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in numerous cancers and is now extending to autoimmune conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Immunotherapy essentially “trains” the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells as foreign entities, empowering the body’s defenses to act as an ally in treatment. The impact has been especially notable in cancers that were once deemed terminal or highly resistant to treatment.

Artificial Intelligence: From Data to Drug Discovery

AI has entered the realm of oncology as a powerful tool, offering unprecedented support in drug discovery, personalized care, and diagnostic processes. Although machine learning has been part of the field for several decades, recent advancements in AI technology now allow scientists and clinicians to process massive datasets with speed and precision. This capability compresses drug development timelines and enables a better understanding of patient response diversity across populations, potentially reducing the average decade-long journey from lab to treatment. AI can predict drug interactions, analyze genetic markers, and assess patient risk profiles, accelerating the pace of research and improving outcomes.

One example is the use of AI in radiology. Today, AI systems are capable of identifying subtle markers on imaging studies, such as mammograms, that might indicate an elevated cancer risk years before a visible tumor forms. This predictive capability allows for earlier interventions and more informed discussions between physicians and patients about preventive care, a promising advance that may drastically improve early cancer detection rates.

Personalized Care and Population Health

AI’s potential is vast, but its benefits are most profound when it supports patient-centric and population health approaches. For example, a tool developed with diverse patient data can predict treatment efficacy across various demographics, providing insight into how a cancer drug might interact differently in African-American, Hispanic, or Asian patients. AI models are also being employed to screen for subtle genetic variations, so treatment can be individualized based on not only the tumor’s specific profile but also the patient’s unique biological makeup.

Such tools help physicians deliver a personalized approach to cancer care that can improve outcomes while minimizing side effects, a critical balance in developing new cancer therapies. By improving the selection of appropriate treatments and monitoring side effects on an individual level, AI can streamline care and enhance the therapeutic experience.

The journey of a new cancer therapy involves collaboration among pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers, regulatory bodies, and healthcare institutions. Dr. Kansagra describes this as a well-orchestrated partnership, each entity bringing a different perspective—whether that be safety, accessibility, or speed of delivery. This collaborative framework is designed to maximize the availability and efficacy of novel cancer treatments. In the U.S., agencies such as the FDA have adopted transparent processes, welcoming input from patients and physicians to create a more inclusive pathway to new drug approvals.

Educating the Next Generation of Physicians

The evolving landscape of medical education is also helping prepare future physicians for these advancements. Dr. Kansagra emphasizes that the core principles of patient care and foundational knowledge remain crucial, but technological proficiency has become equally important. As AI continues to influence diagnostics and treatment planning, the way students are taught has shifted from rote memorization to applying knowledge in real-time clinical scenarios. This shift supports a practical learning environment that equips tomorrow’s doctors with the ability to make informed, compassionate decisions, aided by advanced technologies.

A Vision for Future Cancer Care

For Dr. Kansagra and many others in the oncology field, the future of cancer care centers on continuously advancing patient-centered care through innovative tools and approaches. The goal is to bring AI and immunotherapy closer to the bedside, empowering patients and enhancing the impact of clinical decisions. By accelerating the translation of new therapies from the lab to the clinic, reducing development times, and personalizing care to the individual, oncology is poised for further transformative change.

Through the integrated efforts of researchers, clinicians, and advanced AI-driven technologies, a new paradigm of cancer care is emerging, offering a hopeful future for patients and their families.