AI in oncology is here. How do we make it work?
One of the most prominent themes at ASCO 2025 was the growing presence of AI in oncology. AI is already here, helping clinicians analyze complex data, predict outcomes, and identify optimal treatments. ASCO’s partnership with Google Cloud is one such example, demonstrating how AI can help process detailed care guidelines to help with clinical decision support. Yet, as powerful as AI is, it is a tool, not a replacement. The challenge now is learning how to live with it. We continue to understand where it enhances care and where human judgment must remain central.
Precision medicine is standard of care. What does that mean for cost and accessibility?
Personalized medicine also took center stage at this year’s meeting. It’s no longer sufficient to define cancer by its anatomic location. Oncologists are diving deeper into each patient's molecular profile, leveraging cutting-edge diagnostics to guide more precise, tailored treatment plans. But this precision must come with accessibility. Cost-effective treatment is important, but equally critical is ensuring that diagnostics—especially those involving advanced genetic and molecular testing—are timely, affordable, and available to all patients. As highlighted in recent studies, precision care must start with precise diagnosis.
With this progress in precision medicine comes increasing complexity. Every new therapy and every new trial adds to the growing mountain of data that oncologists must navigate. Remote expert opinions, AI-assisted clinical support tools, and digital platforms are becoming essential to help clinicians stay current and avoid burnout. As Cancer Research UK reported, clinicians are calling for smarter systems that streamline workflows and reduce cognitive overload without compromising patient care.
Our clinical trial enrollment process is ready for disruption.
Clinical trials, often seen as the gateway to tomorrow’s treatments, are also undergoing a technological transformation. AI is being used to match patients to relevant trials faster and more accurately. At ASCO, companies were showcasing AI-driven platforms that help identify eligible participants and navigate them through the complex enrollment process. Additionally, new technologies are enabling “just-in-time” site activation, which could significantly expand access for patients in rural or underserved areas. These innovations could be game-changers for inclusivity in clinical research.Despite all the talk of algorithms and analytics, the message from ASCO 2025 was clear: technology is here to support, not supplant. Every advancement and every new tool is ultimately in service of the clinician and patient—enhancing the ability of clinicians to provide thoughtful, personalized, and compassionate care to the patient.
The future of cancer treatment is bright—and it’s being built on a foundation of partnership between cutting-edge innovation and the irreplaceable role of the oncologist. With hope, humility, and high-tech solutions, we’re moving closer to a world where every patient gets the right care, at the right time, in the right way.
This post was authored by Yousuf Zafar, MD, MHS