AI Model Detects Dominant Cancer Genes: Hadassah Cancer Research Institute Leads the Way

Hadassah Cancer Research Institute Develops AI-based Model for Personalized Cancer Care

The Hadassah Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) in Jerusalem, Israel has made a major breakthrough in personalized cancer care. They have developed a neural embedding model called MESiCA that uses machine learning and natural language processing to detect dominant mutational signatures in targeted gene panels using only a few mutations. The model is ideal for everyday clinical use and is described in a study published in Cell Reports Medicine.

According to Dr. Michal Lotem, head of HCRI, “MESiCA represents a major leap forward in personalized medicine, offering a practical tool for oncologists to make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.”

Unlocking the Potential of Mutational Signatures

Cancer development is driven by mutations in DNA that leave behind mutational signatures – unique patterns that act as fingerprints revealing the underlying causes of the cancer. Some of these fingerprints have clinical implications for treatment plans. Traditionally, identifying these signatures has required analyzing vast amounts of data, often exceeding what is available in routine clinical settings.

Dr. Aron Popovtzer, head of Hadassah’s Sharett Institute of Oncology, which works in partnership with HCRI, says that “current methods rely on targeted gene panel testing that only analyzes a small portion of the genome. This limitation has hindered our ability to detect mutational signatures and apply this information to personalize treatment plans.”

MESiCA has been validated in over 60, 000 cancer samples and has revealed crucial signatures linked to better survival rates and treatment responses, says Dr. Shai Rosenberg, senior neuro-oncologist and head of Hadassah’s Laboratory for Cancer Computational Biology, who is the study’s principal investigator. MESiCA can detect these signatures in routine tests, empowering clinicians to prescribe more accurate personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes, adds Dr. Adar Yaacov, the lead author of the study.

The Hadassah Cancer Research Institute

The Hadassah Cancer Research Institute is the translational research arm for oncology for the Hadassah Medical Organization, a leading teaching and research hospital system in Jerusalem. The Institute focuses on pivotal domains of research, including immuno-oncology, cancer epigenetics, early cancer detection, cell therapy, bioinformatics, precision radiotherapy, and a comprehensive biobank.

The Institute has one objective – to develop next-generation treatments to cure cancer. With MESiCA, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to developing innovative solutions to combat cancer.

About the Hadassah Medical Organization

The Hadassah Medical Organization is a Jerusalem-based hospital system founded and owned by Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America. For more than a century, it has set the standard for excellence in medical treatment and research in Israel.

Hadassah’s doctors and scientists have led to new tools and treatments in all areas of medicine, including therapeutics, diagnostic medical devices, and digital health. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year and world-renowned medical research. The hospital serves without regard to race, religion or nationality and, in 2005, earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine.

Conclusion

The development of MESiCA is a significant achievement for the Hadassah Cancer Research Institute. This groundbreaking research paves the way for a new era of personalized cancer care. With this innovative model, the Institute empowers clinicians to prescribe more accurate personalized treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Hadassah’s commitment to next-generation treatments reflects its long-standing tradition of excellence in medical treatment and research.

As an online healthcare magazine, we believe that this research will revolutionize the field of oncology and lead to better cancer care for patients worldwide.

Originally Post From https://www.hadassah.org/press-release/ai-model-developed-by-hadassah-cancer-research-institute-can-detect-dominant-mutational-signatures-using-only-a-few-mutations