Researchers at Niigata University have made a significant breakthrough in predicting the side effects of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients using artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of PET/CT images. Led by Dr. Watanabe and his team, the study found that AI-driven analysis of PET/CT scans can identify patients at high risk of developing interstitial lung disease, a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect of immunotherapy. By quantifying inflammation in non-cancerous lungs prior to treatment, the researchers discovered that patients with high inflammation are approximately 6.5 times more likely to develop interstitial lung disease after immunotherapy. This innovative approach could revolutionize the way doctors predict and manage side effects associated with cancer treatment. As Dr. Yamazaki notes, "PET/CT is generally performed to detect cancer metastasis, but it would potentially be useful for estimating the risks of side effects associated with cancer treatment." The study's findings, published in Academic Radiology, have significant implications for improving patient outcomes and understanding the mechanisms behind this serious side effect.
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