In a recent discussion with CancerNetwork®, Dr. Ram Prakash Thirugnanasambandam, MBBS, shared insights into the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in palliative care and the treatment of hematologic cancers. His thoughts were based on his publication,
Dr. Thirugnanasambandam, who specializes in Internal Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine at the University of Miami, described the publication’s focus on how AI can aid in achieving patient-centered care goals such as symptom management and clinician decision-making support. He emphasized that AI has proven valuable as a supportive tool in palliative medicine, helping to identify patients who might benefit from palliative care discussions. These tools also assist in recognizing symptoms like pain, dyspnea, anxiety, or psychosocial distress, enabling healthcare providers to adopt a more proactive approach to patient care.
According to Dr. Thirugnanasambandam, integrating AI into clinical workflows may enhance the accuracy of predicting disease subtypes and burdens in patients with leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. He noted that the predictive analytics capabilities of AI could further support the effective management of cytopenias, transplant-related requirements, infections, and other treatment-related side effects.
Additionally, he addressed ethical concerns surrounding the rise of AI tools, highlighting issues such as data privacy and the risk of biased datasets. While AI can facilitate decision-making, he stressed that it cannot replace the essential clinical judgment and compassion of healthcare professionals.
“I want readers to take away a sense of balance,” Dr. Thirugnanasambandam remarked regarding his publication. “Our goal is to encourage clinicians to feel more comfortable incorporating AI into their practice. We must utilize it critically, viewing it not as a replacement for clinical judgment or decision-making skills, but as a valuable adjunct.”
In summary, Dr. Thirugnanasambandam’s insights highlight the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing AI in palliative care. As the field continues to evolve, striking a balance between technology and human compassion will be essential for optimizing patient care.
