In a pilot trial, patients receiving therapy for uncommon diseases linked to asbestos are now being analysed using artificial intelligence
(AI).

Scotland has the world’s highest incidence of mesothelioma, a cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. This is due in part to the presence of a traditional heavy industry and a scarcity of asbestos risk evaluations.

Researchers have developed a prototype artificial intelligence system that can detect mesothelioma tumours. This method could potentially speed up clinical studies for novel therapies.

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma does not function as well as it does for other tumours. It’s difficult to tell if the therapies are effective because of how tumours grow. Unlike other tumours, which develop in a sphere and are easy to measure, mesothelioma grows in the shape of an orange peel. Prof. Kevin Blyth, who leads a specialty clinic for mesothelioma patients, said the disease forms a ring around the lung, somewhat like an orange peel. As a result, it’s difficult to track and measure improvements.

The mesothelioma measurements were automated using AI technology, reducing time and allowing for more precise results. The
automation of these measurements is thought to pave the way for new therapy clinical trials.

The Importance of Risk Assessments for Asbestos

Asbestos assessments were not even considered during construction work before the dangers of asbestos were fully understood, and even after they were As a result, approximately 5000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Although the risks of asbestos have been better understood and its use in new structures has been prohibited, there are still buildings that contain this potentially fatal material. As a result, doing an asbestos risk assessment prior to performing any activity that may disrupt the material is critical.

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