New AI Tool Can Predict Cancer Survival From a Single Photo

US researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can predict a cancer patient's survival chances from a single facial photograph, according to a study published in the journal The Lancet Digital Health.

Key points

• The model was trained on more than 40 million facial photos and adapted into two tools: FAHR-FaceAge.
• Patients classified in the highest-risk group had more than three times the mortality risk of those in the lowest-risk group, even after accounting for clinical factors.
• Combining the two models further improved the accuracy of survival predictions, according to the study.
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• Although further validation is needed before it can be widely applied in clinical practice, researchers remarked the technology could assist doctors assess patients' health and guide treatment decisions.

Developed by researchers at Mass General Brigham in Massachusetts, the system, called FAHR-Face, analyses facial features to estimate biological age and mortality risk, potentially helping doctors create treatment decisions.

Notably, the model was trained on more than 40 million facial photos and adapted into two tools: FAHR-FaceAge. It estimates biological age, and FAHR-FaceSurvival, which predicts cancer patients' survival directly from facial images without relying on age estimates. Govt Urges Parents to Vaccinate Their Daughters Against Cervical Cancer.

While the age-estimation model examined features around the mouth and temples, suggesting the two systems identify different health-related patterns, researchers discovered that the survival model focused mainly on areas beneath the eyes and around the nose.

For context, the survival model was trained on images of 34, 363 patients and tested on another 3, 820, with results independently validated using data from 4, 892 cancer patients in the Netherlands.

While those appearing at least five years younger had a 17% lower risk, patients whose faces appeared at least five years older than their actual age additionally had a 21% higher mortality risk. Combining the two models further improved the accuracy of survival predictions, according to the study. Karachi Hospital Completes Over 100 Gynecological Robotic Surgeries.

Although further validation is needed before it can be widely applied in clinical practice, researchers remarked the technology could assist doctors assess patients' health and guide treatment decisions. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, new AI Tool Can Predict Cancer Survival From a Single Photo is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.