The Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Head and Neck Oncology.

Journal: Advances in therapy
Published Date: Apr 29, 2025

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing head and neck oncology, offering innovations in tumor detection, treatment planning, and patient management. However, its integration into clinical practice is hindered by several limitations. These include clinician mistrust due to a lack of understanding of AI mechanisms, biases in algorithm development, and the potential over-reliance on technology, which may undermine clinical expertise. Data-related challenges, such as inconsistent quality and limited representativeness of datasets, further complicate AI's application. Ethical, legal, and privacy concerns also pose significant barriers. Addressing these issues through transparent AI systems, clinician education, and clear regulations is essential for ensuring responsible, equitable use in head and neck oncology. This manuscript explores the limitations of AI in head and neck oncology.

Authors

  • Karthik N Rao
    Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bangalore, India. karthik.nag.rao@gmail.com.
  • Veronica Fernandez-Alvarez
    Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
  • Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
    Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07747, Jena, Germany.
  • M P Sreeram
    Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation, Bangalore, India.
  • Remco de Bree
    Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
  • Luiz P Kowalski
    Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology Department, A C Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  • Arlene Forastiere
    The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, USA.
  • Pia Pace-Asciak
    Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
  • Juan P Rodrigo
    Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
  • Nabil F Saba
    Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Ohad Ronen
    Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Galilee Medical Center Affiliated with Azrieil Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
  • Ewa Florek
    Laboratory of Environmental Research, Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806, Poznan, Poland.
  • Gregory W Randolph
    Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
  • Alvaro Sanabria
    Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia/Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación-CEXCA Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades de Cabeza y Cuello, Medellín, Colombia.
  • Jan B Vermorken
    Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.
  • Ehab Y Hanna
    Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
  • Alfio Ferlito
    Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy.

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