IBM's "Watson" used for 2d opinions/treatment decision support

LisaAlissa

I've been hearing about IBM's Watson applying artificial intelligence (aka cognitive computing) to assist in cancer treatment decisions and in matching patients to research trials. There was a recent Charlie Rose segment on 60 Minutes, but you'll also find a description in this IBM blog post:

A Trusted Treatment Option from Watson: Why Concordance Studies Matter

A Univ. of NC doc (in the Charlie Rose segment) said that they are applying Watson to their cases and often find things, since there are so many, many new papers written that no single doc can keep up with all of them.

I'm wondering in any of us have had Watson applied to our treatment? Or maybe it's something that we should be asking for? I don't know if you have to be working with a cancer center that is already using Watson, or if any cancer doc can ask for Watson imput...

I did a search for "Watson," but didn't find anything current here.

I'd be interested to hear what you all think, or certainly, if you've already had experience with Watson imput!

LisaAlissa

MinusTwo

Interesting. I will try to ask my MO in December at my next follow up.

ihatesnowihatesnow

Check out these research groups http://boinc.bakerlab.org/rosetta/   http://folding.stanford.edu/

ThreeC

lisaAlissa, I messaged a family member who works for IBM dealing with Watson and the "Internet of Things". I sent her the link you posted and the basics of your question. The more I have learned about Watson & imagined the potential diagnostic applications for cancer, I have been hopeful it would be available to medical teams soon. When I hear back, I will relate any answers to your question she has to share

ThreeC

LisaAlisa, She replied quickly that there are a lot of trial situations going on now with the medical area. She had a slumber party going on at her house tonightand didn't have time to expand. If I hear back soon, I'll update!

LisaAlissa

Thank you for following up with your family member, ThreeC!

I look forward to hearing what she has to say.

LisaAlissa

ThreeC

A couple of links to information re: Watson and Cancer treatment. The second link lists 14 institutions that are participating in trials.

https://www.mskcc.org/about/innovative-collaborations/watson-oncologyhttp://www.businessinsider.com/r-ibms-watson-to-guide-cancer-therapies-at-14-centers-2015-5

Lumpie

Fascinating! I think that this could be really helpful to physicians/clinicians open to being sure they apply the latest findings and research in their practices. Even those who are not so inclined to be "bleeding edge".... if they see research studies pop up multiple times as applicable to their patient base, they are going to pay attention to those. This would improve the likelihood that patients get the best possible care.