Kidney Cancer
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, starts in the cells of the kidney. More specifically, it begins in the lining of tiny tubes (tubules) in the kidney, which can then grow and form a mass/tumour.
With approximately 75 % of all cases, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. The term "clear cell" stems from the cancer cells’ appearance under a microscope, which have a clear or pale cytoplasm (the gel-like fluid inside the cell).
Treatment options for kidney cancer vary depending on the cancer stage. They often include:
- radiation therapy
- chemotherapy
- targeted therapy
- surgery
How Are Health Data and Artificial Intelligence Used in Kidney Cancer Care?
In cancer care, datasets can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cancer and potential treatment options. However, health data is often scattered across different sources and may not provide a complete picture of a patient's health status, leading to incomplete diagnoses and treatment plans.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of kidney cancer care, leading to better outcomes for patients. AI algorithms can analyse the wealth of a patient's medical data – from test results to imaging data – to aid medical professionals in diagnosing cancer and developing a personalised treatment plan.
Unlike traditional AI, modern health-focused AI systems aim to be transparent and interpretable by providing explanations that patients and doctors can understand.
Learn more about how the KATY project is developing a trustworthy AI-empowered personalised medicine system here.
