Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology Collaborates with AILIS
On October 1, 2024, a media meeting was held at the Kraków branch of the The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, centered around the theme: “Towards Innovative Oncology.” During a joint press conference, prof. Tomasz Banaś, MD PhD at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology and Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs announced that Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Kraków branch, as the leading center, is participating in experimental research aimed at implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Joint project of The National Research Institute of Oncology and AILIS
In August 2024, an agreement was signed between the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Kraków and the medical startup AILIS, said Prof. Tomasz Banaś. The joint project focuses on the diagnostic possibilities of a new method called Parametric Dynamic Imaging, which is currently undergoing clinical evaluation. This technique employs advanced AI algorithms to detect breast cancer at very early stages. The experiment involves examining women suspected of having breast cancer. Katarzyna Chrobak-Kasprzyk, MD PhD at the Clinical Oncology Surgery Department is coordinating the study from the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology side. The research is multi-center, involving doctors from across Poland.
Concerning statistics
“Our overarching goal is to reduce breast cancer mortality in Poland. According to OECD data, the mortality rate from breast cancer in our country is 15% higher than the average in the European Union. We hope that by accelerating diagnostics and utilizing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, we can significantly improve these statistics,” explains Katarzyna Chrobak-Kasprzyk, adding: “Detecting breast cancer at stage I is a crucial factor in effectively treating this disease. It is estimated that, when diagnosed at an early stage, the chance of survival is as high as 95-99%.”
“We are interested in any ideas that allow for the implementation of innovative solutions in oncology diagnostics that will improve patient treatment outcomes. The number of cancer cases is rising, so it is essential to seek new solutions that will accelerate diagnosis while also making it more patient-friendly. The AILIS system not only offers a chance for rapid screening but also for non-invasive testing; thus, we eagerly await the results of this experiment,” said prof. Stanisław Kłęk, MD Phd and Deputy Director for Clinical Affairs at the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Kraków.
AI as a lifeline for healthcare
“There is a dramatic shortage of medical staff worldwide, and the number of cancer diagnoses is rising rapidly. Societies are aging. Regardless of how much funding is allocated to healthcare, it will never be sufficient. In this context, rapid diagnostics is key. Around the world, work is being done on technologies that will automate diagnostic processes — we Poles can be global leaders in this area,” added Michał Matuszewski, CEO of AILIS.
Artificial intelligence is not the future of medicine — it is the present. “At AILIS, we employ advanced AI algorithms to ensure the highest quality and precision in breast examinations. Currently, we are at the first stage of clinical evaluation for our Parametric Dynamic Imaging method, which we are conducting in collaboration with physicians from the Breast Unit of the National Cancer Institute,” states Mateusz Moderhak, PhD, an expert in medical imaging and AI.
