Dr. Pinaki Mahato, Consultant Medical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, VadodaraA brain tumour diagnosis is invariably life-altering—for the patient, the family, and the entire care team. With vague symptoms, tumours can mimic other neurological issues, and imaging may not always offer clarity. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the game-changer in this space- not by replacing doctors, but by helping them see what they might, otherwise, miss.
The Evolving Diagnostic Landscape
Brain tumours vary widely in type, size, and location. Symptoms include persistent headaches, vision changes, confusion, or even subtle mood shifts; failing to signal alerts in the patient. For doctors, the confusing symptoms translate to decoding a complex riddle.
AI is powered to break down these complex riddles, to deliver a clear message. By precisely mapping patterns derived from thousands of brain scan images and evaluating microscopic details contained in them, AI flags regions that demand attention, and is equipped to provide information, within minutes, regarding the tumour type; besides suggesting the likely future growth behaviour of the tumour.
How AI Enhances Imaging and Detection
AI functions exactly like a supercharged assistant, to the radiologist. While traditional imaging depends on a human expert interpreting the image, AI scans each pixel and compares it with a vast library of images—flagging abnormalities that might not be immediately visible. This ensures a precise, and comprehensive evaluation.
AI platforms are never used in isolation, but for aiding radiologists and neurosurgeons in detecting early-stage tumours that may remain undetected or be wrongly classified without the support of AI’s precision.
India has already begun adopting AI-based technologies to empower neuro-oncology workflow at the country’s top multi-specialty and academic hospitals.
Advanced AI-powered tools are now, operational at:
Radiology Departments: Here AI serves to detect lesions and measure the dimensions of tumours with unprecedented precision. Brain Surgery Planning systems: Here AI is used to re-create flawless 3D maps of the brain, aiding neurosurgeons in avoiding acutely sensitive areas of the brain, while removing tumours. Pathology and Molecular Labs: Here, AI is able to analyse samples of tissue with least likelihood of error, for purposes of predicting tumour progression; vastly improving the accuracy of diagnosis. Radiotherapy planning boards: Here, AI aids in precisely mapping the sites of targeted tumours, while protecting healthy tissue from exposure; thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment and minimising side effects
When patient load is high, AI is immensely useful in reducing critical delays in diagnosing cases, executing triage in complex cases, and in freeing specialists to focus on decision-making, instead of engaging in repetitive, time-consuming tasks.
Personalising Treatment with AI
Tumours have complex and distinctive profiles and unpredictable behaviour patterns. AI accurately analyses each individual tumour and predicts the expected responses to treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, aggressive surgery, or targeted therapies, helping doctors to avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
By analysing genetic markers, pathology reports, and imaging data in conjunction, AI tools offer insights into how a particular tumour is likely to behave, facilitating individualised treatment planning, better outcomes, and fewer side effects.
AI Assists, It Doesn’t Replace
With superior properties, AI aids doctors in confirming the best treatment approach to adopt.
Doctors operate with tested, clinical intuition, emotional intelligence and prior experience; whereas, AI brings speed, precision, and flawless pattern recognition to the table, together constituting a potent force in the battle against tumours and malignancies.
India Bridges the Gaps in Accessibility by Leveraging AI through Remote Access
India has AI- powered, medical Centres of Excellence in the metros, as opposed to limited access to medical speciality in smaller towns. With the availability of remote access, the analytical benefits of AI-powered tools can now be obtained by smaller hospitals and clinics located in the periphery of cities.
By employing scalable, ethical integration of AI, India can match its pace with global standards and adapt the benefits meaningfully to its local needs.
As oncologists, we witness first-hand, how early, accurate diagnosis can change the course of a patient’s life. When a brain tumour is detected in time, a critical advantage is gained; enabling tailored treatment plans that offer not just hope, but real, measurable outcomes. AI, with its absolute precision, is no longer a futuristic concept; it is integral to today’s clinical practice, enhancing our ability to visualize clearly, and act decisively. The future of brain tumour care lies in striking the right balance—between the advantage of cutting-edge AI tools and the refined human judgement that defines medicine at its best.
By Dr. Pinaki Mahato, Consultant Medical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Vadodara
