Enhancing Patient Empowerment Through Artificial Intelligence in Liver Cancer

Abstract

Chronic liver disease and liver cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma have a growing global health burden. In many areas, liver disease and cancer have a rising incidence, later diagnosis, and higher mortality. Although guidelines recommend regular surveillance, the timely detection of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma remains inconsistent. This is largely due to low awareness, restricted access to care, and fragmented healthcare systems. It is well known that patient empowerment through knowledge, engagement, and shared decision-making could therefore help to improve outcomes. However, this is frequently complicated by stigma, low health literacy, and comorbidities. These challenges could be improved by artificial intelligence (AI). AI methods can analyze healthcare data and could directly affect screening and risk stratification. In addition, the emergence of large language models such as ChatGPT provides new tools that can support the patient journey. Here, we provide a systematic overview of the capabilities of AI methods to potentially improve liver cancer care. We highlight that AI tools in liver cancer care could be used in 2 ways: They can help healthcare professionals and patients alike. Help healthcare professionals-focused AI tools can constitute clinical decision-support systems and improve care continuity through telemedicine and remote monitoring. Patient-focused AI applications can have the potential to empower patients, by providing personalized education, counseling, and improved patient engagement. However, we also point out the need for caution in the implementation of this technology. Key concerns are related to ethical considerations, regulation, data privacy, transparency, algorithmic bias, rigorous clinical validation, and patient preferences and needs. When these concerns are resolved, AI could help to deliver more personalized, participatory, and equitable liver disease care.

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