A new AI-powered tool, SCORPIO, is reshaping cancer treatment by using routine blood tests to predict which patients will benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Developed by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai researchers, this model is more cost-effective and widely accessible than current FDA-approved biomarkers, which rely on tumour samples and genomic testing. SCORPIO’s innovative approach offers a significant advantage in precision oncology, enabling better patient selection and minimising the risk of adverse side effects.
Validated on nearly 10,000 patients across 21 cancer types, SCORPIO has demonstrated impressive accuracy in predicting treatment outcomes. By analysing data from blood tests, such as complete blood counts and metabolic profiles, it avoids the complexities and costs associated with advanced genomic testing. The AI model was rigorously tested using data from clinical trials and hospital records worldwide, making it a robust tool for oncologists.
The next step for SCORPIO involves collaboration with global cancer centres to further refine and test the model across diverse clinical environments. If successful, it could make precision cancer treatment accessible to more patients, irrespective of geographic or economic barriers. This innovation highlights the potential of AI to transform healthcare on a global scale.
