Artificial Intelligence-driven cancer research initiative in Dresden focuses on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment methods

In the heart of Dresden, Germany, a groundbreaking research project is underway. The DECIPHER-M project, led by Prof. Jakob Nikolas Kather, is set to revolutionise the field of oncology by focusing on understanding the spread of cancer cells.

The project, which is scheduled to take place between this year and 2030, is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the first three years with approximately 5.5 million euros. Ideally, around nine million euros should flow into DECIPHER-M during its five-year duration.

Metastases, a major challenge in oncology, occurs when cancer cells detach from the original tumor and travel to other parts of the body, making cancer harder to treat. The DECIPHER-M project aims to develop personalised treatment strategies to combat this issue.

The team is pursuing a multimodal approach, connecting various data sources such as tissue samples, X-ray images, and genetic information. This approach allows for more accurate prediction of individual metastasis risk.

The project partners outside of Dresden include the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCC Hamburg) and associated institutions such as the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) and the Institute of Medical Sociology at UKE. In addition to Dresden, project partners from Aachen, Essen, Heidelberg, Mainz, and Munich are involved in the project.

The goal of DECIPHER-M is to create a "bigger picture" of cancer spread, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer. The project's ultimate aim is to improve the survival rates of cancer patients and enhance their quality of life.

The DECIPHER-M project is unique in its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of the DECIPHER-M project. This AI-driven approach could pave the way for a brighter future in cancer treatment.

By combining different medical data and harnessing the power of AI, the DECIPHER-M project is poised to make significant strides in the fight against cancer. The project's potential to improve treatment options and survival rates for cancer patients is a beacon of hope for the future.