From Code to Cure

The panel “From Code to Cure”, the second episode of the “AI Under the Stars” series in 2024, was held at the Science Club of the Center for the Promotion of Science in Belgrade. Representing the Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Serbia was research associate Dr. Vanja Švenda. The panel focused on key questions about how artificial intelligence is changing the world of medicine and diagnostics, with a special emphasis on the latest initiatives and projects in Serbia that focus on early cancer detection.

Dr. Švenda highlighted the significance of the project in which IVI collaborates with the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. This project involves the development of a software application to improve the quality of mammography analysis using artificial intelligence models. “The primary idea is to assist doctors in optimizing their time and already overloaded daily schedules,” said Dr. Švenda.

The application being developed by IVI researchers uses artificial intelligence to estimate the likelihood of lesions in breast tissue, prioritizing mammographic images for review. “This way, patients with a higher assessed risk should be reviewed first, so that further recommendations can be made as soon as possible and treatment initiated if necessary,” explained Dr. Švenda.

He also emphasized that artificial intelligence will not independently establish diagnoses or make decisions about further patient treatment. “The model serves as a tool to support medical staff who make the final decisions,” stated Dr. Švenda.

The panel also featured Prof. Dr. Tatjana Lončar Turukalo from the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad, Assistant Professor Dr. Jasmina Boban from the Institute for Oncology of Vojvodina, with Branka Anđelković from the Center for Public Policy Research moderating the discussion. The discussion covered the main challenges and obstacles in the application of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, as well as ways to overcome them to improve healthcare. Special emphasis was placed on the need for adequate regulation to accompany these innovations.

Panel participants agreed on the need for continuous improvement of cooperation between research institutions and healthcare facilities to ensure more efficient and accurate diagnostics, ultimately resulting in better healthcare for all citizens.