In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the University of Leeds have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify early-stage bowel cancer patients at the highest risk of disease recurrence. This innovative approach could not only help doctors make more informed decisions about patient care but also spare some individuals from unnecessary chemotherapy.
The research team employed an AI algorithm to analyse the level of CD3, a type of immune cell, in tumour tissue samples from 868 patients participating in the Quasar trial. The algorithm developed a “CD3 Score” based on the number of cells in various areas of the tumour. Patients with a high score had lower levels of CD3 cells, while those with a low score had higher levels.
The AI-driven analysis revealed that among the 868 samples, there was an 8.5% chance of bowel cancer returning within two years of surgery and chemotherapy. Remarkably, the algorithm identified low-risk patients with a 3.8% chance of cancer recurrence, which increased to 6.6% in cases where they did not receive chemotherapy. On the other hand, high-risk patients had a 23.5% chance of cancer recurrence within two years without chemotherapy, which decreased to 14.3% with treatment.
Lead author Dr Christopher Williams, a Cancer Research UK clinical trials research fellow at the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine, emphasised the unreliability of current methods for determining which early-stage bowel cancer patients require chemotherapy. He noted that many people receive chemotherapy unnecessarily, while others who could benefit from it are not offered the treatment.
Dr Williams highlighted the difficulty in deciding whether stage II colon cancer patients need chemotherapy after surgery, given the generally lower risk of recurrence. The AI-based assessment method proved to be a stronger indicator of potential cancer recurrence than any currently assessed feature, providing valuable information for both doctors and patients facing challenging treatment decisions.
The CD3 Score test, patented by Roche Tissue Diagnostics, has the potential to become a crucial tool for early-stage bowel cancer patients. Dr Williams described it as “fast, accurate and simple,” expressing hope that it will streamline conversations about post-surgery chemotherapy between patients and their doctors.
Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, welcomed this development as a potentially positive step for the bowel cancer community. She emphasised the organisation’s interest in new ways to predict treatment response and improve clinical guidance for patients.
As the medical community continues to explore the applications of AI in cancer treatment, this study underscores the immense potential of technology in personalising care and improving patient outcomes. The CD3 Score test could revolutionise the way doctors approach early-stage bowel cancer treatment, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate care based on their individual risk factors.
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