Computer Technology: Pioneering a New Era in Cancer Detection and Treatment

Abstract

The word “cancer” often conjures up a sense of dread, and it can devastate not only patients but also their families, both financially and emotionally. In recent years, while many strides in the technology space have been made, the coming decade holds the promise of a significant leap forward. The anticipation of computer scientists inventing devices, models, and algorithms that will transform cancer detection is both exciting and intriguing. These advancements could lead to early diagnoses, effective treatments, and ultimately, improved outcomes for cancer patients, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in all of us. All signs point to computer technology being central to those advances. As part of the global community, we all have a crucial and active role to play in the fight against cancer, and the advancements in computer technology are empowering us to make a difference. The impact of technology in the medical field continues to grow and evolve, with computer technology leading these changes and constantly improving the tools and techniques available for cancer care.

Introduction

We all fear the unknown, and the word “cancer” often conjures up a sense of dread. It's a fear that can become deeply ingrained in our psyche, leading to what's known as “carcinophobia”. The emotional and financial toll of cancer treatment can be devastating, with no clear outcome in sight. This is a reality I've experienced in my own family, and I'm sure many of you can relate.

According to the World Health Organization, the current global cancer burden is staggering, with an estimated 21 million patients in 2024 to 35 million cases in 2050 [1]. This rapid growth significantly impacts socioeconomic development, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions. As individuals, we have the power to advocate for change and contribute to these innovative solutions. It's our responsibility to use this power and make a difference.

Today’s healthcare industry uses computers much more sophisticatedly, and lab scientists are no longer required to analyze the data in a research laboratory. For instance, medical devices embedded with computer chips have enhanced accuracy and precision in diagnostics, such as MRI machines and CT scans, resulting in the early detection of diseases. These devices can analyze large volumes of data in a short time, helping to identify cancerous cells or tumors. Patients are also increasingly using technologies to schedule dosages and monitor vital information such as heart rate and blood pressure, which can provide early warning signs of cancer or its side effects.

In recent years, the technology community has developed many tools and technologies needed to understand, diagnose and treat cancer. While many strides have been made, the coming decade holds the promise of a significant leap forward. The anticipation of computer scientists inventing devices, models, and algorithms that will transform cancer detection is both exciting and intriguing. These advancements could lead to early diagnoses, effective treatments, and ultimately, improved outcomes for cancer patients, instilling a sense of hope and optimism in all of us.

And all signs point to computer technology being central to those advances. As part of the global community, we all have a crucial role to play in the fight against cancer, and the advancements in computer technology are empowering us to make a difference. With these tools at our disposal, we can be reassured that the future of cancer treatment is promising and the outcomes for patients will improve.

Computer Technology, at the center of the advances

Times have changed. Although we have now advanced a lot, the question is how to create impactful technology that benefits people. At least there is a hope now and using computer technology, we can provide a better way: higher predictability, better treatment and a permanent cure for cancer.

Until now, cancer research has been primarily imaginative. However, the recent molecular understanding of cancer has made enormous strides and opened new avenues. We now need the collaborative efforts of computer engineering, mathematics, and medical science to describe the complex relationship between molecular movement, medicine's impact, and the tumor's reoccurrence.

Computer technology has emerged as a critical solution to the challenges in cancer research. This progress is not just a result of computer science but also builds on decades of work in other disciplines. Now, we can envision a future where cancer is tackled not just with traditional biology but with computer technologies, including data analytics and real-time monitoring devices.

We have seen significant progress in detecting and curing cancer in many fields. Some of the important ones are –

Multimodal multiphoton imaging (MPM)

Traditionally, cancer has been diagnosed by its stage, shape, size, and if localized or metastatis. However, these methods have limitations, particularly in detecting cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. Today, the goal is to diagnose more by its underlying molecular characteristics. Characterizing cancer at a molecular level is not just a key, but a cornerstone to its effective treatment. This understanding, however, is not achievable with current-generation technologies alone. The use of next-generation technologies that are molecularly sensitive is crucial in this regard, empowering us with deeper knowledge and a more comprehensive understanding of cancer.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of researchers, we are now on the brink of a groundbreaking advancement in cancer diagnosis. Thanks to the innovative 'multimodal multiphoton imaging' process that can derive the molecular composition for tumor cell detection, the possibility of diagnosing cancer even before a solid tumor is formed is becoming a reality.

When a cancerous tumor begins, it triggers changes in the body's metabolism and molecular composition. These early changes, which indicate the aggressiveness of the cancer, can now be detected with unprecedented precision. The potential of early detection through multimodal multiphoton imaging (MPM) is a reason for optimism, as it can provide a more accurate diagnosis by evaluating the possibility of detecting the tumor at its earliest stage of growth. The precision of MPM technology should reassure the audience about its accuracy in cancer diagnosis. 

Multimodal multiphoton imaging (MPM) stands out as a laser-scanning microscopy technique that uniquely utilizes two excitation wavelengths to capture both two-photon microscopy (2PM) and three-photon microscopy (3PM) signals from biological tissues. This dual-wavelength excitation scheme enables label-free acquisition of all three signals from a sample, making the technique non-invasive and capable of producing high spatial resolution images of thick tissue. The non-invasive nature of MPM technology [2] should make the audience feel comfortable about its use in cancer diagnosis.

• 790 nm: Excitation wavelength for second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF) 

• 1580 nm: Excitation wavelength for third harmonic generation (THG)

As the MPM technology continues to evolve, it is expected to revolutionize cancer diagnosis. In the next decade, we anticipate that this technology will be able to detect early signs of cancer through routine blood or urine tests. This potential application could significantly improve early detection rates and ultimately save lives.

Photonic Crystal Biosensor

Currently, scientists rely on screening modalities like mammography or colonoscopy to identify masses or tumors that are millimeters in size. However, the field is rapidly advancing towards molecular diagnostics, enabling the detection of early changes. Photonic crystal biosensor microscopy, a groundbreaking technology, is at the forefront of this shift, offering the potential to detect and image individual biological objects - cells, viruses, nanoparticles-with unprecedented precision.

Biosensing [3], an emerging analytical field, plays a crucial role in the detection of biochemical interactions. It leverages electrical, optical, calorimetric, and electrochemical transducing systems to detect various biological targets, such as cells, bacteria, viruses, proteins, hormones, enzymes, and nucleic acids. This technology is instrumental in facilitating the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer, underscoring the significance of our work in the field of biosensing.

Biosensors integrated with photonic crystal (PC) [4] show great promise in overcoming the challenges in the development of new point-of-care diagnostics. PC, with its unique characteristics of photonic bandgaps (PBG)-which are ranges of wavelengths where the propagation of light is forbidden-and photonic localization-the confinement of light within a small volume-is a beacon of hope for the future of biosensing technology.

A photonic crystal biosensor is a compact device made from photonic crystal materials. It enables the detection and monitoring of concentration changes in biological substances. For instance, a biosensor for cancer cell detection, based on a silicon photonic crystal, has a bandgap that ranges from 1188 nm ≤ 𝜆 ≤ 1968 nm. This biosensor can distinguish between cancer cells and normal cells, as they possess different refractive indices. Moreover, a photonic crystal microscope can be used to tag and count proteins or RNA molecules in a droplet of blood, indicating the presence of a tumor through the detection of specific biomolecules, such as cancer-specific proteins or RNA sequences.

Robotic Surgery

One of the most common procedures used by oncologists to remove the tumor while localized to avoid metastasis. In comparison to traditional surgical procedures, Robot-assisted surgery stands out as a prime example of computer engineering at work. Its precision ensures the complete removal of the tumor, providing a reassuring level of effectiveness in cancer treatment.

Technology now empowers surgeons to use imaging to detect cancer cells in the operation theatre. Cancer patients currently undergo surgery to remove their tumor, but at times, their tumor cells are left behind. This is because surgeons are unaware until pathologists evaluate and confirm the presence. Pathologists, who play a crucial and valued role in the current process, are the ones who confirm the presence of residual cancer cells when the tumor is sent for biopsy. Therefore, a handheld imaging technology [5] using real-time optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows surgeons to microscopically image the tumor to confirm if all the cancer cells are removed during the surgery. In addition, a robotic device is designed to use molecular imaging to find the cancer cells so that it can remove those tissues during surgery.

With the combined power of robotic [6] and imaging technology, the future of cancer treatment is promising and full of exciting possibilities. Envision small robots navigating the body, searching for tumors, and eliminating cancer cells. These cutting-edge technologies are not just set to revolutionize cancer treatment in the coming decade, but also to bring a new wave of hope and excitement to patients and medical professionals alike.

LED enabled Microscope

Most conventional imaging methods rely on fluorescent dyes, which illuminate the cell components to make them visible under a microscope. However, the invasive fluorescent tagging mechanism doesn’t allow scientists to see how a cell changes over time.

Scientists are pioneering a new era in microscopy [2] with a device that harnesses the power of LED light and a photonic crystal biosensor. This cutting-edge microscope not only allows us to peer into the dynamic world of live cells but also measures a remarkably thin layer on the cell's underside, surpassing the diffraction limit for visible light. This unprecedented level of precision is a game-changer in deciphering the intricate changes in cell structure and function over time. With this technology, the effective mass density of cell membranes can be measured and how cancer cells respond to drugs can be measured over an extended period.

In the field of cancer treatment, the abundance of available drugs often leaves physicians in a quandary, lacking clear clinical guidance on the most effective option for a specific patient. However, as the tumor evolves, physicians can now tailor treatment strategies based on the patient's unique genomic data, rather than relying on trial and error. By identifying the genes expressed by an individual patient’s tumor, we can gain a clearer understanding of the dominant mechanism for that patient, paving the way for a more personalized and effective treatment plan. The potential of photonic crystal microscopy in deciphering how cancer cells respond to drugs is a beacon of hope in this journey.

RNA from a droplet of blood [2] from a patient on a filter can be extracted and tested with a sensor. This process involves isolating the RNA molecules from the blood sample and then subjecting them to a sensor that can detect specific sequences of RNA. The sensor, equipped with advanced algorithms, can interpret the changes in RNA sequences, providing real-time feedback on the effectiveness of the treatment. It indicates the ineffectiveness of the drug if the tumor starts mutating in a new way.

Understanding the growth of blood vessels is crucial to comprehending cancer progression. Technological advancements have unveiled signaling activities, such as blood vessel growth, that significantly regulate cancer growth and spread. These signaling activities are pivotal players in the intricate network of interactions that influence cancer's progression. The potential of the new microscope technology in deciphering these activities is a significant step forward in our understanding of cancer progression, offering a beacon of hope in our fight against this disease.

Tumor Treating Electric Fields

TTFields [7], a novel cancer treatment technology, is distinguished by its noninvasive and patient-friendly nature. This approach, using intermediate frequency, low intensity, alternating electrical fields, disrupts cancer cell division and growth. The electric fields are delivered to the tumor location using ceramic transducer arrays, a process that does not require any invasive procedures.

TTFields target specific highly charged proteins in cancer cells that play a crucial role in tumor growth and spread. These proteins form chains that pull apart the copies of genetic matter in the cell’s nucleus when a cancer cell is ready to replicate. TTFields disrupt this process, preventing the cancer cells from dividing normally and leading to their self-destruction. This results in a gradual reduction in tumor size as more cancer cells die over time, highlighting the long-term effectiveness of TTFields.

The success of tumor treating fields could shape the future of brain cancer. This promising technology not only shows potential in shrinking tumors but also in significantly reducing drug toxicity, offering a hopeful and optimistic outlook for the future of cancer treatment.

Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine

Nanotechnology [8], the science of developing microscopic structures out of molecules, is crucial in cancer care. Leveraging this technology, Nanomedicine has become a beacon of hope and precision in cancer treatment. The effectiveness of cancer treatment, delivered through nanotechnology, ushers in a new era of accuracy, instilling confidence in the potential of this field.

Nanomedicine [8], the innovative use of tiny particles to combat cancer, is a field teeming with potential. These particles, which can be shaped to interact with tumor cells, have recently gained significant attention for their potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. They promise increased efficacy and reduced side effects, inspiring and motivating the medical community to push the boundaries of cancer therapy. With a few nanometers in size, these particles possess unique physicochemical properties that can be fine-tuned to optimize their interactions with biological systems. These properties can be harnessed to improve tumor targeting and enhance drug delivery, addressing some of the key challenges in tumor immunotherapy.  Gold-based nanomedicine technology is impressive because it minimizes toxicity to healthy cells as Gold is nonreactive within the body, and it reduces the chance of damaging healthy cells.

Envision a future where ovarian cancer can be detected at its earliest stages, enabling more effective and personalized treatments. This future is not as distant as it may seem, thanks to the development of a sensor that can be implanted in the uteruses, and it alerts when it detects elevated ovarian cancer biomarkers. If successful, this device could be a game-changer, significantly improving early-stage diagnosis and paving the way for more personalized treatments for ovarian cancer, instilling hope in the medical community and patients alike.

iKnife, a “smart” knife

Surgery is a significant part of cancer treatment, but a big problem for surgeons is knowing what they're cutting. It can be challenging to assess whether a lump is cancer or benign, which makes it difficult to tailor the operation. They won't know until they get the pathology report back after weeks from the surgery and find out the mass wasn't cancer in some cases. It means they were too radical with the surgery and didn't do a successful surgery. However, there are risks with less radical operations, too.

The iKnife [9] is not just another surgical tool; it's a game-changer. It's not just about cutting; it's about understanding what it's cutting. This innovative instrument is designed to identify the type of tissue it's cutting, in real time. As the knife cauterizes the tissue with electricity, it releases molecules into the air, which are then captured and analyzed by an advanced computer called a mass spectrometer. This real-time tissue identification process, unique to the iKnife, ensures unparalleled precision in tissue differentiation. It can also detect the types of fat that tumors use for growth, alerting cancer patients to which fats they should avoid in their diet.

With its high diagnostic accuracy and positive predictive value, the iKnife has the potential to completely revolutionize the way diagnosis of cancer is done. This could lead to more precise and effective surgeries, reducing the need for follow-up procedures and improving patient outcomes.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality, or VR, is a powerful tool for cancer patients [10]. It allows them to interact with a simulated environment, reducing stress and connecting them to survivor stories. For instance, VR applications can simulate peaceful natural environments or engaging activities, providing a therapeutic escape for patients. More importantly, a study has shown that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experienced less anxiety, depression, and fatigue when exposed to virtual reality during therapy, highlighting its significant positive impact.

Researchers are optimistic about the potential of VR to significantly enhance the psychological support for cancer patients, potentially leading to a better quality of life. This palliative treatment, which focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients, could even lead to better survival rates, providing reassurance about the well-being of cancer patients.

It's important to note that virtual reality is not a cure for cancer, but it is a beacon of hope. This advanced technology has the potential to improve patients' experiences during the complex treatment process, and could lead to improved cancer survival rates, instilling a sense of optimism in the fight against cancer.

Computing and Artificial Intelligence

Computing's role in cancer research, particularly at the molecular level and in drug development, is becoming increasingly vital. By improving our understanding and prediction of each drug trial through more accurate data evaluation, computing can significantly accelerate drug development. For instance, advanced algorithms can sift through large datasets to identify potential drug targets, and simulations can accurately predict a drug's efficacy before it undergoes lab testing, potentially saving time and resources.

Wearable devices [6], with their ability to monitor physiological vitals like blood pressure and heartbeats, offer patients a sense of independence and self-reliance. Patients no longer need to visit doctors for every issue. The concept of a 'lab on a smartphone' will evolve allowing patients to conduct medical tests using phone's built-in camera and high-resolution spectrometer.

Researchers are now leveraging the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence to detect cancer by analyzing CT scans. AI is also a key player in enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy, leading to the latest advancements in cancer treatment. In the next decade, we anticipate a significant improvement in personalized immunotherapy. This exciting advancement, where doctors can use a computerized AI algorithm to create a personalized immunotherapy plan based on individual history, tumor characteristics, immune system, and genetics, offers a promising future for cancer treatment.

In the coming years, computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence will revolutionize cancer research. The future holds a merger between personalized genomic medicine and personalized detection, a development that will engage and rely on the expertise of computer and medical professionals in the field.

Conclusion

With the aid of technology, doctors are empowered with more personalized data about the patients enhancing their control and confidence in enhancing the experience. These technological advances equip doctors with more tools for early cancer detection, and the ability to anticipate the possibility of recurrence. In the case of a tumor, sequencing can reveal not only the mutated genes but also their implications in the tumor's biochemical pathways, offering hope for more effective treatment. Given the significant role genetics play in cancer, the future holds promise for more personalized treatment, offering a beacon of hope for the future of cancer care.

Understanding all the key factors that drive cancer is crucial for physicians. With this knowledge, they can intervene in multiple ways - provide immediate treatment or prevent recurrence. However, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and treatment planning are real challenges. This is where computer technology plays a pivotal role, offering practical solutions to these problems and significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of cancer care.

The impact of technology in the medical field is not static. It continues to grow and evolve, with computer technology leading these changes and constantly improving the tools and techniques available for cancer care.

Acknowledgement

I want to thank my mentor, Partho Ghosh, Lead Architect, R&D, Siemens Healthineers, whose invaluable guidance has been instrumental in our research and study of information related to the advancements in the computer technology space to detect and cure cancer. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the collective effort of all the researchers and computer scientists at University of Michigan, UIUC, NCBI, Imperial and John Hopkins. Your continued research is not just inventing new methods in treating cancer, but also shaping the future of healthcare.

References

1. World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1.

2. Research on the application of Computer Engineering & Science in the medical field at University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, https://cancer.illinois.edu/tag/computer-science/.

3. ScienceDirect - Quantitative imaging of cell membrane-associated effective mass density using Photonic Crystal, Enhanced Microscopy (PCEM), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079672716300234.

4. MDPI - Design of Photonic Crystal Biosensors for Cancer Cell Detection, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/14/7/1478.

5. Illinois Science and Technology Coalition, https://www.istcoalition.org/innovation/.

6. Research on the application of Computer Engineering & Science in the medical field at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, https://ece.engin.umich.edu/academics/career-info/careers-in-ece/careers-in-medical-technology/.

7. Tumor Treating Fields for Brain Cancer research at John Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/brain-tumor/brain-tumor-treatment.

8. National Center for Biotechnology Information - Cancer Nanomedicine: Emerging Strategies and Therapeutic Potentials, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10343932/ (2023).

9. Imperial College, London, UK, https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/242553/new-research-uses-iknife-give-immediate/.

10. Cancer Research UK, https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/find-a-clinical-trial/a-study-using-virtual-reality-to-reduce-stress-and-anxiety-caused-by-cancer-and-cancer-treatment.

---

The same article is also available at Akankshya Mohanty's Medium.com site.