New AI Tool Predicts Liver Cancer Relapse with 82% Accuracy
Singapore scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking AI tool, the Tumour Immune Microenvironment Spatial (TIMES) score, capable of predicting liver cancer relapse with 82% accuracy.
Developed by researchers at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and A*STAR’s Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, this tool targets hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common and deadly form of liver cancer.
With about 70% of HCC patients in Singapore facing relapse within five years post-treatment, this innovation marks a significant leap in early detection and personalized treatment planning.
The TIMES score leverages machine learning, specifically XGBoost, to analyze tumor biology and immune cell distribution through spatial biology techniques.
It examines the positioning of natural killer (NK) cells and the activity of five key genes to identify patterns that signal potential cancer recurrence.
This approach outperforms existing clinical prediction tools, offering doctors a clearer, data-driven insight into a patient’s risk profile.
The discovery of the SPON2 biomarker, which enhances NK cells’ ability to target cancer, further hints at future advancements in AI-driven immunotherapy.
The tool’s significance lies in its potential to transform liver cancer care. By predicting relapse risk early, it enables tailored treatment and follow-up plans, improving long-term survival rates.
Its accessibility is enhanced through a free online portal where doctors can upload tissue images for AI-generated risk assessments.
Already validated on 231 patients across five hospitals, the TIMES system is patented and set for further testing at SGH and the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Plans are underway to develop it into a diagnostic kit for routine hospital use.
For patients, this means more precise, proactive care, while healthcare providers gain a powerful tool to combat one of the world’s deadliest cancers.
Businesses in medical technology may see opportunities to integrate or expand on this AI-driven approach, potentially reshaping cancer diagnostics and treatment globally.
FAQ
What is the TIMES score?
The TIMES score is an AI tool that predicts liver cancer relapse with 82% accuracy by analyzing tumor biology and immune cell behavior.
How can doctors access this AI tool?
Doctors can use the free online portal to upload tissue images and receive AI-generated predictions of cancer recurrence risk.
