Industry Insights AI
In this round of insights, we highlight three of the latest discussion points on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology in healthcare.
AI in breast cancer care requires human oversight
At the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Amrita Basu, PhD, emphasised that the effectiveness of AI in breast cancer care depends on careful integration and sustained human oversight. AI tools are already supporting imaging analysis, pathology and risk stratification. New models are expanding into the analysis of clinical notes and patient data. However, Basu stressed that AI models should be embedded into existing electronic health records (EHR) rather than introduced as standalone systems. Human validation remains essential to ensure accuracy, manage bias, and maintain appropriate checks and balances.
Link to discussion and interview
Virtual reality and brain stimulation in multiple sclerosis
A newly published protocol outlined a randomised trial evaluating whether combining anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) with virtual reality (VR) training can improve cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis. The study will enrol 80 adults with confirmed cognitive dysfunction and assess both short-term and sustained outcomes up to 6 months. If successful, the approach could offer a non-pharmacological option for a condition where cognitive therapies have shown limited and inconsistent benefit.
Chatbot increases HIV self-testing uptake
A randomised study conducted in Hong Kong found that an HIV self-testing chatbot was non-inferior to real-time human online support in increasing testing uptake among men who have sex with men. Both approaches achieved high testing rates, but the chatbot was associated with lower costs and higher uptake of post-test counselling. Counselling outcomes and sexual risk behaviours were comparable between groups. The findings suggest chatbots could provide a cost-effective tool to expand HIV testing.
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