The UNICA4EU Knowledge base: foundations and literacy for the use of AI in Childhood Cancer
The UNICA4EU initiative is dedicated to harnessing the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the battle against childhood cancer throughout Europe. This project has led to the creation of an extensive knowledge base, which stands as a pivotal resource for stakeholders interested in the intersection of AI and childhood cancer management. This meticulously curated platform compiles insights from a diverse group of contributors, including caregivers, medical professionals, AI developers, and representatives from technology and industry sectors. It has been carefully designed to put the user at the very center, aiming to both educate and empower all participants in the realm of pediatric oncology.
The knowledge base is structured around two principal features:
- A decision tree: This intuitive visual tool provides a clear roadmap for the comprehensive process of designing, developing, testing, and deploying AI solutions in the context of childhood cancer.
- Thematic bookshelves: Organized by specific topics, these sections gather relevant information, underscore the challenges encountered, and offer practical advice on the application of AI across various facets of managing the disease.
With its user-friendly interface, the knowledge base is poised to become an indispensable tool, encouraging ongoing engagement from the community. The launch of this platform by the UNICA4EU consortium marks the beginning of a broader endeavor aimed at exploiting AI technologies to enhance the speed and quality of care provided to children facing cancer.
A New Milestone in AI for Pediatric Oncology: Our interview with Prof. Pamela Kearns
In this exclusive interview, Professor Pamela Kearns, a leading figure in pediatric oncology at the University of Birmingham and former president of SIOP Europe, shares her insights as the project lead of the groundbreaking UNICA4EU initiative. During these past 18 months, everyone at UNICA4EU has been hard at work to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence to tackle unmet needs in pediatric cancer.
In our chat, Professor Kearns discusses the project’s achievements, including the efforts on creating a collaboration space based on a shared language between pediatric oncology experts and AI specialists, the potential establishment of a European Child Cancer Data initiative, and the essential partnerships across Europe that are necessary to address the unique challenges linked to treating child cancer with AI-powered tools.
As the UNICA4EU project concludes, she reflects on the lessons learned, the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the project’s foundational work for future AI developments in pediatric oncology, which marks a pivotal moment in understanding the complexities and future directions of AI in healthcare, emphasizing the project’s role in building trust, addressing legal and ethical concerns, and ultimately improving outcomes for children with cancer.
Watch the full interview below!