[Image courtesy of MD Anderson Cancer Center]
“Digital twins hold great promise in accelerating scientific breakthroughs and transforming how we approach oncology discovery and precision medicine,” Dr. Caroline Chung, VP of data impact and governance and chief data and analytics officer at the health provider, said in a news release.
“While this is still emerging technology that is not yet ready for use in the clinic, digital twins have the potential to inform patients and health care providers to guide medical decisions, as well as to assist researchers who are discovering and developing better detection methods and treatments for cancer.”
The models would feed on imaging, lab results and genetic data, then simulate how a tumor might respond to chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy. Clinicians and patients could compare options and choose the plan that offers the best projected benefit with the least risk.
“With digital twins, patients could better understand their condition and the rationale behind their treatment plan,” Chung said. “This knowledge could foster a stronger sense of confidence and empowerment, helping patients and caregivers make informed decisions about their care.”
Chung, who co-directs the Institute for Data Science in Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, said researchers must still solve hurdles such as data quality, privacy safeguards, math modeling and workforce training.
“As research and technology continue to advance and collaborations grow in this space, digital twins will transform the landscape of cancer care and much more,” she said. “I’m confident this innovation will make meaningful improvements to the journey through cancer and bring hope to the patients we’re privileged to care for and their loved ones.”
Read more about digital twins in oncology on the MD Anderson Cancer Center website here.
