November 9, 2024

AI set to revolutionise stem cell donor matching and transplantation worldwide

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a buzzword for a few years, mostly in the space of content creation; however, its use in the healthcare space is revolutionising healthcare access and equity as we know it.

For individuals with limited access to facilities and those without medical insurance, AI could be a game-changer in the healthcare landscape. Its role in speeding up the turnaround time in stem cell donor matching and transplantation is now being investigated by stem cell registries worldwide.

Deputy director for the South African Bone Marrow Registry, Jane Ward, says this technology could transform registries’ work, as it is often a race against time to find a matching donor for a patient awaiting a stem cell transplant.

“Embracing this technology could reshape our industry. Not only will it speed up the search and match process but it would free up staff to spend one-on-one time with patients and their loved ones. AI’s ability to quickly analyse vast amounts of genetic data streamlines the identification of compatible donors, drastically shortening the timeline and offering a faster, more efficient route for patients in urgent need of stem cell transplants.”

“The successful use of AI in the healthcare space has already been proven with the speedy production of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic – something that would have likely taken years to achieve.”

Ward says the use of this technology has the potential to save even more lives, as patients would be able to receive timely diagnoses and preventative care if used during cancer screening, which can have positive patient outcomes.

“It is especially critical for those with life-threatening conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anaemia, sickle cell disease, thalassemia and other blood disorders, where time is often a decisive factor in treatment success. This advancement is not just enhancing healthcare accessibility but also democratising healthcare services, ensuring no one is left behind.”

She is, however, cognisant that technology can never replace the human touch.

“AI has massive potential; however, registries remain a ‘people business’. While it is an exciting time for us, there is still a way to go before this is fully implemented. There are challenges that present themselves in the form of ethics, regulation and responsibility – and we need to get the basics right first.”

Ward says there are still several hurdles to overcome before AI systems are fully integrated across registries worldwide. Some of the key challenges include:

  • Using the right data – only 4% of data is considered AI-ready, and many organisations still use a paper trail and not all data is digitised.
  • Ethics – the responsible use of AI, intellectual property regulation and accountability.
  • The correct interaction – using the correct prompting methods for best results.
  • Cultural change – adapting to change and being ready to experiment.
  • The cost of AI – software development is expensive, and registries are often non-government funded.

She says all things considered, AI is the way of the future, and it is a big risk not moving with the times. “If this means we can better serve our patients and find matches more easily, then there is no question this technology is needed. Our mission and vision have and always will be to give our patients the best care and the second chance at life they so deserve.”

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