'Making strides' towards opening local sector to AI

Najaf hospital hosts symposium with Chinese University on AI-driven cancer detection

NAJAF – Amiri al-Mu’minin Specialty Hospital recently hosted an international symposium in collaboration with Nanjing University, China, focused on advancing cancer detection methods and treatment approaches. The event introduced innovative perspectives on using artificial intelligence in the medical field, specifically for rapid tumour detection. Chinese experts highlighted how this technology assists doctors in identifying the spread of cancer, while Kufa University officials pledged a commitment to leveraging this expertise through agreements aimed at knowledge exchange.

Professor Wang, a faculty member at Nanjing University, emphasised the impact of AI-assisted techniques on surgical outcomes. “For nearly 15 to 20% of patients, surgical plans were altered,” he told 964media, explaining that surgeons either adjusted their approach or identified previously undetected tumours that required removal.

Dr. Ahmed Atheeb al-Zubaidi, Dean of the College of Medicine at Kufa University, acknowledged the transformative role of AI in modern healthcare. “Artificial intelligence leads today’s industry and technology, and it must be a supporting tool for human efforts, especially in early cancer detection,” he said. “The world is increasingly open to integrating AI applications.”

During the symposium, a new AI-powered technology was demonstrated, allowing physicians to assess cancer spread in real-time during surgeries. By combining AI with human expertise, this tool aims to streamline treatment processes and boost effectiveness.

Kufa University had previously signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanjing University, covering cooperation in research and medical fields. According to Dr. Abbas al-Hadabi, Assistant Vice President of Kufa University, the institution is keen on expanding ties, particularly with universities that apply AI in healthcare. “Kufa University is making strides to open up to the local market and other institutions, especially those with AI applications in the medical field,” he remarked.

AI is increasingly transforming cancer detection and treatment, offering more precise and efficient methods. Recent advancements include AI systems capable of analyzing medical images to detect various cancer types with high accuracy. For instance, researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed an AI model that can perform diagnostic tasks across multiple cancers, enhancing early detection and personalized treatment plans.

In the realm of treatment, AI is being utilized to predict patient responses to therapies, allowing for more tailored approaches. A study published in Nature Medicine demonstrated an AI-powered system that detects tumor DNA in blood with unprecedented sensitivity, aiding in predicting cancer recurrence and informing treatment decisions.