Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly accelerating the shift towards personalised cancer treatments. Ahead of World Cancer Day, an RMIT expert explains how these advances are improving treatment options and what challenges still need to be overcome.
Associate Professor Jessica Holien, School of Science
"Because of the powerful combination of biology, technology and AI, we are moving beyond standard chemotherapy and one-size-fits-all therapies toward approaches guided by the unique genetic and molecular features of each patient's cancer.
"For many cancers, advances in standard chemotherapy have led to outstanding results. However, side effects can be significant, and some cancers have become resistant to these treatments over time.
"This shift, driven by AI, has the potential to deliver treatments that are not only more effective, but also less toxic and better aligned with individual patients.
"At the same time, I am keenly aware of the challenges. Cancer is highly adaptive, and resistance to therapy remains a major barrier.
"This is why early-stage research is so critical and sustained investment in discovery science is essential if we are to continue advancing personalised cancer care and turn today's breakthroughs into tomorrow's standard treatments."
Jessica Holien is a research leader who bridges the chemistry-biology divide, specialising in computational drug discovery and molecular modelling across both academia and industry. Jessica leads research programs focused on hard-to-treat diseases, including rare and drug-resistant cancers and neurological disorders.
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