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Revolutionizing cancer care with machine learning: a comprehensive review

Open Access
|Jul 2025

Figures & Tables

Figure 1:

PRISMA flowchart. WOS, Web of Science.
PRISMA flowchart. WOS, Web of Science.

Figure 2:

Factors influencing ML in precision medicine. ML, machine learning; NGS, next-generation sequencing; TMB, tumor mutation burden.
Factors influencing ML in precision medicine. ML, machine learning; NGS, next-generation sequencing; TMB, tumor mutation burden.

Figure 3:

Factors influencing CDSS. CDSS, clinical decision support system; EHR, electronic health records.
Factors influencing CDSS. CDSS, clinical decision support system; EHR, electronic health records.

Figure 4:

Critical factors influencing ML in treatment response. ANN, artificial neural network; ML, machine learning; SVMs, support vector machines.
Critical factors influencing ML in treatment response. ANN, artificial neural network; ML, machine learning; SVMs, support vector machines.

Current challenges in cancer detection using ML

AspectChallengesDescriptionReference
Cancer detectionLack of high-quality training dataAI models require large, well-annotated datasets, which are often limited for certain cancer subtypes.[34]
Model interpretability (“Black Box” problem)Complex DL models lack transparency, making clinical validation and trust difficult.[22]
Heterogeneity in cancer subtypesGenetic and molecular variations between patients make it difficult to generalize AI predictions.[57]
Ethical and privacy concernsHandling patient genomic data poses ethical and legal challenges regarding data security and bias.[20]

Cancer toxicity detection methods

ReferenceDescriptionAdvantagesLimitations
[70]Silico toxicology models present themselves as an alternative to computationally analyze, simulate, and predict the toxicity of novel drugs/compounds.Obtained the cost-efficiency and Speedy of data.Not considered the performance-based analysis.
[71]This analysis presented a new model to simulate complex chemical toxicology data sets and compared with the ML methods such as ANN, LDA, SVM, k-NN and NB.Comparative analysis between the ML models over the drug toxicity.Not considered the standard evaluation metrics.
[74]Discussed the advances, challenges, and future perspectives of the drug toxicity prediction process using AI.The various challenges are identified in the process of toxicity prediction.Future perspective analysis can be enhanced further by considering the latest technology.
[81]This review article discussed in detail about the necessary databases and software that are working based on robust computational assessments and toxicity prediction.This review provides the analysis of existing databases and software methods.Not done the robust computational assessments and robust toxicity prediction processes.
[82]Proposed the question about whether clinical trials could be modified/improved for providing the data with better solutions for outstanding issues.The various issues are discussed by providing the solutions.The advanced technologies are not considered in the solutions.

Current challenges in cancer treatment using ML

AspectChallengesDescriptionReference
Cancer treatmentVariability in AI performanceAI-based DSSs have shown inconsistent results in real-world applications, such as IBM Watson.[21]
Computational and resource constraintsTraining advanced ML models requires high-performance computing and large datasets.[50]
Resistance to AI Adoption in oncologyMany oncologists remain skeptical about fully integrating AI-driven decision-making into clinical practice.[66]

Current and best methods used in cancer detection using ML

MethodDescriptionAdvantagesLimitationsReference
ML and DL algorithmsUsed for analyzing large datasets, including imaging, genetic, and histopathological data. Helps in predicting tumor recurrence risk and patient responses to therapies.High accuracy in pattern recognition, automation, and scalability. Can analyze massive datasets efficiently.Requires large, high-quality datasets. Limited interpretability (“Black Box” problem).[22, 36, 41]
NGSEnables rapid sequencing of multiple genes, producing vast molecular data for cancer detection.High throughput, precise genetic mutation detection, and potential for early diagnosis.High costs, data complexity, and need for specialized expertise.[28, 29, 43]
RadiogenomicsCombines imaging data with genomic data to identify cancer subtypes and predict treatment outcomes.Non-invasive, links imaging traits with gene expression, and predicts radiation therapy response.Limited by the availability of high-quality datasets.[34]
Molecular testingUses genetic markers such as PD-L1, TMB, MSI, and somatic copy number variations to predict therapy response.High precision, aids in personalized medicine, and helps in selecting targeted therapies.Invasive biopsy requirement, limited by tumor region sampling.[37, 38]
Histopathology with AIAI-powered analysis of stained tissue slides to detect cancer and classify subtypes.High accuracy, automation, and reduced workload for pathologists.Requires large labeled datasets for training.[41, 44, 45]
FNA) and cytopathology (TBSRTC)FNA is a minimally invasive preoperative evaluation, and TBSRTC categorizes thyroid cancer risk.Quick, minimally invasive, and widely used in clinical settings.Subjective interpretation can lead to inconsistent results.[23,24,25,26]
Transcriptomics (RNA sequencing, microarrays)ML-driven analysis of gene expression to classify cancer subtypes and improve diagnosis.High precision in detecting gene expression differences.Data complexity and requires advanced computational tools.[61]
Big data and AI integrationAI extracts insights from demographic, clinical, and imaging data to predict prognosis.Improves decision-making, enhances early detection, and enables better patient stratification.Underutilized potential and challenges in data integration.[51,52,53,54]
ML-based biomarker discoveryML helps identify predictive biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression and TMB, to guide immunotherapy decisions.Identified the predictive biomarkersNot considered the suitability level.[39]
Molecular and omics-based analysisAI integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data to improve cancer classification and prognosis.Performed the effective classification and enriched the cancer diagnosis accuracy.Not highlighted the false alarm rate and error rate analysis.[56, 58]

Current trends in cancer treatment using ML

AspectCurrent trendsDescriptionReference
Cancer treatmentAI-driven personalized therapyAI models predict individual patient responses to treatments, improving precision medicine.[35, 40]
ML in drug discoveryAI accelerates drug development by predicting the efficacy and toxicity of new compounds.[50]
CDSSAI-powered tools assist oncologists in optimizing treatment strategies based on patient-specific data.[65]
Dynamic dose adjustment with MLML models personalize drug dosages based on continuous monitoring of patient responses.[40]
Language: English
Submitted on: Feb 7, 2025
Published on: Jul 19, 2025
Published by: Professor Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 1 times per year

© 2025 P. Leena Pavitha, Ganapathy Sannasi, Mark P. Allan, Devi Nithisha, A. Jerad Suresh, published by Professor Subhas Chandra Mukhopadhyay
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.