A recent demonstration of IBM’s artificial intelligence (AI) personality, Watson, on television’s ‘Jeopardy!’ caught the attention of attorney Joseph Belluck, a partner in the law firm of Belluck & Fox, LLP, in New York, representing mesothelioma victims.
In the demonstration Watson played three rounds of ‘Jeopardy!’ against highest earnings winner Brad Rutter and 74-game winner Ken Jennings. Although a few mishaps were reported, Watson beat both men hands down making him the first machine contestant to win ‘Jeopardy!’ Watson donated his winnings to organizations Word Vision and World Community Grid.
Belluck said of the demonstration, “IBM’s Watson was able to weigh numerous options in response to ‘Jeopardy!’ questions – or answers, actually – and respond more quickly and more accurately than humans, and that also means that computers are one step closer to assisting physicians as diagnostic tools.”
IBM has announced partnership with Columbia University, University of Maryland and Nuance Communications Inc, who collectively plan to develop a cybernetic physician’s assistant (PA) with voice recognition capabilities. AI could be on its way to the doctor’s office in as few as 18 months.
With the ability to hold, sort, search and manipulate medical information, patient histories doctor’s notes and more, an AI PA could greatly raise the chances for precise and proper diagnoses of such rare diseases as mesothelioma.
“Having this volume of information instantly available will be an incredibly valuable advance. Mesothelioma victims need as many options as possible to fight this terrible disease,” Belluck said. “Computers that can help with a complex medical diagnosis will be especially helpful for mesothelioma victims, since their symptoms are often confused with other conditions, and the earlier the disease is accurately diagnosed, the better the survival odds are.”
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. If inhaled these toxic fibers can begin a mutative process developing into malignant tumors through the lining of abdominal cavities. Most often affecting the lungs, mesothelioma takes twenty to fifty years to demonstrate symptoms, making it incredibly hard to diagnose early. When symptoms do show they mimic those of pneumonia and bronchitis, further postponing proper diagnosis.
Mesothelioma has no known cure. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Palliative care is also an option for patients who want to manage pain and focus on quality of life. Life expectancy following a mesothelioma diagnosis averages eighteen months.
A recent study by University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago showed that 62 – 88% of physicians miss key patient information that could aid in proper diagnosis and treatments. AI may be the next best phase in patient care.
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