Predicting Response in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Artificial Intelligence

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that can be harder to treat than other types of breast cancer. Although treatment works well for many people, the cancer comes back in around 40% of patients. This project will use artificial intelligence (AI), a type of computer technology that can learn patterns from large amounts of information. The aim of this project is to determine if AI can identify patterns in breast cancer tissue images that may help predict which patients are more likely to have their cancer return after treatment. AI could help doctors make more informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Overview of the research

1. Tissue Sample is scanned to make into a digital image

2. Artificial intelligence is trained on image

3. Areas flagged as potentially high for cancer returning

3. Areas flagged as potentially high risk for cancer returning

4. Doctor reviews the slide and the AI

Research details

Research aims

Our research aims to develop a tool that is easy-to-use and does not require any additional procedures as it will use routine breast cancer tissue sample images. The AI will look for patterns in these images that may be too difficult for doctors to spot on their own to help predict which cases of cancer are more likely to return.

Research goals

The goal of this research is to improve survival for those diagnosed with TNBC by identifying individuals who may need closer follow-up. We hope this research will help to better understand why some patients respond well to treatment while others have their cancer return.

Patient and Public Involvement

We are establishing a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) discussion group to help guide the project and ensure that the research addresses questions and priorities that matter to patients and the wider community.

PPI partners will contribute to:

Sharing views on the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer healthcare
Help guide our research and how we develop and use the AI tools
Provide feedback on how we communicate our research to the wider community

We welcome individuals with experience of triple negative breast cancer, as well as family members and carers, and those with an interest in this topic, to contribute to the project.

If you are interested in joining our discussion group, please email abcdstudy@abdn.ac.uk.

Results