New ASCO AI Tool Promises Fast, Accurate Guidelines Access
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Google Cloud have recently launched an artificial intelligence (AI)–powered search tool to provide accurate and fast access to ASCO's full library of evidence-based clinical guidelines, the society announced this week.
Developed with Google Cloud's Vertex AI platform and Gemini models, the ASCO Guideline Assistant will offer clinicians 'a more dynamic user experience, allowing them to ask follow-up questions for intuitive, easy integration of expert information into their patient care plans,' based on ASCO's published clinical practice guidelines, according to a society press release.
'This partnership unlocks the value of ASCO's trusted guidelines knowledge,' ASCO's chief executive officer, Clifford Hudis, MD, said in a statement. 'Google Cloud's AI expertise is the engine that will drive faster access to critical information, empowering oncology professionals to make rapid, evidence-based decisions for their patients.'
At ASCO's annual meeting next week, attendees will have a chance to explore the tool and learn more about 'Oncology and AI.'
Notably, the ASCO Guideline Assistant is designed to circumvent 'accuracy concerns often associated with publicly available AI tools,' according to ASCO.
While AI tools can help doctors make more informed decisions, save time, and optimize care, experts have also highlighted challenges and concerns with their use.
'Data-related concerns and human biases that seep into algorithms during development and post-deployment phases affect performance in real-world settings, limiting the utility and safety of AI technology in oncology clinics,' Medscape contributor Ravi B. Parikh, MD, and Likhitha Kolla wrote in a 2024 article in Cancer .
By providing access to timely, relevant information, the new tool can help alleviate the challenges oncologists face from rising cancer rates in younger Americans, a growing number of cancer survivors, rapidly expanding treatment options, greater fiscal constraints and a projected shortage of oncologists, ASCO noted.
'This is huge!' Sneha Singh, MD, posted on X in response to the announcement. 'Thank you @ASCO and @googlecloud for this guidelines agent!'
Another X user, Chiara Corti, MD, encouraged others to 'Try and play with it!'
'All the feedback will be welcomed by @ASCO and @googlecloud,' Corti added.
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