US researchers have developed an artificial intelligence model capable of analyzing facial images to estimate biological age and assess mortality risks among cancer patients, a research step that may futurely support doctors when evaluating patients' health conditions and determining appropriate treatment options.
According to a study published yesterday, Monday, by a research team from the Brigham and Women's Hospital academic and medical institution in the United States, led by Dr. Raymond Mak, a radiation oncologist, and in collaboration with Dr. Hugo Erts, the director of the AI in Medicine program at the institution, the researchers developed a foundational AI model trained on more than 40 million facial images.
The results showed a correlation between patients' estimated apparent age and mortality risks, where appearing five years or more older than the actual age was associated with a 21 percent increase in mortality risk, while appearing five years or more younger was associated with a 17 percent decrease in risk, among patients who received radiation therapy in the United States.
The researchers clarified that the model demonstrated the ability to maintain stable results despite differences in image capture conditions, including lighting, camera angle, and facial expressions, which may enhance the potential use of this technology in future medical research.
The researchers noted that the tool could provide additional information to help doctors assess patients' overall health status before choosing treatments, particularly intensive treatments such as radiation therapy, surgery, and drug therapy, while emphasizing that this technology does not replace clinical assessment or medical judgment.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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