Clinical application of artificial intelligence

This work was initiated as a part of the DCCC strategic ambition to promote the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of cancer. The DCCC ambition is ensure that all patients with cancer in Denmark will have access to the same high and consistent quality of treatment. DCCC will contribute to ensure that research, development and implementation of AI in the field of cancer will take place in a coordinated and validated national process.

This work with AI is in line with the overall vision of DCCC that all patients with cancer in Denmark will have access to the best and research-based diagnostics, treatment and follow-up.

The work with AI has taken place in the DCCC scientific Council and a report has been drafted highlighting areas and specific AI technologies, which could be validated and expanded across Denmark. The report also describes tendencies in the field and the regulatory framework.

There is a large potential in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of cancer to improve diagnostics and treatment, to relieve staff pressure and create an even higher consistency in cancer treatment across Denmark.

In radiotherapy, non-commercial national solutions have been developed based on professional consensus and national validation and they are ready for use.

In diagnostic imaging, commercial solutions are available, which could relieve a significant part of the workload for radiologists in early diagnostics of breast and lung cancer.

AI-supported risk stratification has a huge potential, but further development and validation is necessary before solutions can be rolled out nationally.

In pathology, there is still a need for appropriate digitalisation of work procedures and specimens before the huge potential can be released.

In order to meet the current challenges, DCCC recommend that the new Cancer Plan V will address the need for:

• A national strategy for clinical application of AI and other digital tools in the healthcare system.
• A national effort to ensure evaluation of the implementation of AI and other digital tools. There is a need for a structure to measure quality for both research, implementation and evaluation of digital tools and AI.
• Investments in digital tools on both national and regional level.

How can artificial intelligence (AI) help in the field of cancer – and how do we work smart to ensure that patients with cancer in Denmark benefit? These were some of the questions raised at the DCCC event 3 October 2024 on clinical application of AI in cancer. The event had more than 100 participants.

The regulatory framework and use of AI solutions were presented and discussed, and the focus was on how we can collaborate to make good AI solutions and how we can overcome existing barriers.

If you missed the day, topic presentations are available here: