Newcastle University Researchers Using AI To Predict Outcome Of Aggressive Skin Cancers

Study in UK: The researchers at Newcastle University have developed an AI system called DeepMerkel which predicts the severity of aggressive skin cancers. The medic can use it to personalise patients’ treatment.

A team led by researchers at Newcastle University has combined clinical expertise with machine learning and developed the AI system called “DeepMerkel” to predict the treatment for aggressive MCC skin cancers.

This type of cancer is rare and mostly affects elderly people and those with weakened immune systems.

Dr Tom Andrew, a Plastic Surgeon and CRUK funded PhD student at Newcastle University and first author said, “DeepMerkel is allowing us to predict the course and severity of a Merkel cell carcinoma enabling us to personalise treatment so that patients are getting the optimal management. Using AI allowed us to understand subtle new patterns and trends in the data which meant on an individual level, we are able to provide more accurate predictions for each patient."

“This is important as in the 20 years up to 2020, the number of people diagnosed with this cancer has doubled and while it is still rare it is an aggressive skin cancer which is increasingly affecting older people,” added Dr Tom Andrew.

Newcastle University’s AI System For MCC Skin Cancer: Details

The research was conducted with Dr Aidan Rose, Senior Clinical Lecturer, Newcastle University, Penny Lovat, Professor of Dermato-oncology, Newcastle University, and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Rose said; “Being able to accurately predict patient outcomes is critical when guiding clinical decision making. This is particularly important when treating aggressive forms of skin cancer in a complex patient group which typically results in difficult, and sometime life-changing, choices being made regarding treatment options. The developments we have made using AI allow us to provide personalised survival predictions and inform a patient’s medical team of the optimal treatment.”

Newcastle University Experts Call For Relatives Of People Buried In Historic City Burial Ground

The researchers at Newcastle University are investigating the history of Burial Ground and the team now wants to hear from the ancestors of people buried in this ground.

Project Lead Dr Myra Giesen, from the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, explains, “We are eager to collaborate with individuals who have connections to Ballast Hills, ensuring that this historic site reflects the diverse voices and stories of those connected to it. Every story deserves to be remembered, and every voice has a role in shaping history.”

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