The case for AI-driven cancer clinical trials - The efficacy arm in silico.

Journal: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Reviews on cancer
Published Date:

Abstract

Pharmaceutical agents in oncology currently have high attrition rates from early to late phase clinical trials. Recent advances in computational methods, notably causal artificial intelligence, and availability of rich clinico-genomic databases have made it possible to simulate the efficacy of cancer drug protocols in diverse patient populations, which could inform and improve clinical trial design. Here, we review the current and potential use of in silico trials and causal AI to increase the efficacy and safety of traditional clinical trials. We conclude that in silico trials using causal AI approaches can simulate control and efficacy arms, inform patient recruitment and regimen titrations, and better enable subgroup analyses critical for precision medicine.

Authors

  • Likhitha Kolla
    Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
  • Fred K Gruber
    GNS Healthcare, Somerville, MA, USA.
  • Omar Khalid
    GNS Healthcare, Somerville, MA, USA.
  • Colin Hill
    GNS Healthcare, Somerville, MA, USA. Electronic address: colin@gnshealthcare.com.
  • Ravi B Parikh
    Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.