AI detects damaged cells that indicate risk of breast cancer

The study, published in The Lancet Digital Health, found that the AI technology was far better at predicting risk of cancer than current clinical benchmarks for breast cancer risk assessment.

The researchers used deep learning AI technology developed at the University of Copenhagen to analyse mammary tissue biopsies from donors to look for signs of damaged cells.

“The algorithm is a great leap forward in our ability to identify these cells. Millions of biopsies are taken every year, and this technology can help us better identify risks and give women better treatment,” said Associate Professor Morten Scheibye-Knudsen from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and senior author of the study.

A core aspect of assessing cancer risk is looking for dying cells, caused by so-called cellular senescence. Senescent cells are still metabolically active but have stopped dividing. Previous research has shown that this senescent state can help suppress cancer development. However, senescent cells can also cause inflammation that can lead to tumour development.