We can revolutionize cancer care. Here's how | Opinion
Our era has witnessed remarkable advancements in cancer research and care, with major technological developments transforming the landscape of cancer therapy. However, these advancements have predominantly focused on the biology of cancer, overlooking the holistic needs of patients. With millions of people diagnosed each year with cancer, we must rethink cancer care as we race to find a cure.
That is where the Whole-Person Approach comes in, revolutionizing cancer care by considering not only the biological dimensions of the disease but also the psychosocial support, nutritional guidance and emotional well-being of patients. By incorporating these crucial elements into treatment plans throughout the entire journey, health care providers create an environment that nurtures the overall health and quality of life of patients. My mantra to my team is that we do not treat cancer — we treat patients with cancer. It is an important distinction in how we go about caring for our patients. Contemporary research has demonstrated that this approach directly impacts clinical outcomes, showcasing its potential to bring about transformative changes in cancer care.
But what if we go beyond the boundaries of biology and delve into the patient-centric perspective using massive real-world big data? What if we bridge the gaps between biology, physiology, emotional well-being and the psychosocial dimensions of cancer? Can we uncover groundbreaking insights and create the groundwork for the next wave of transformative solutions?
These are the questions that the recently established Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute aims to answer. Located in the Davidoff Cancer Center of Beilinson Hospital in Israel, the country’s first and largest cancer hospital. Today, one in every seven cancer patients in the country are treated at the hospital and it provides the perfect location to conduct groundbreaking research as we aim to find a cure. The institute is the result of the vision of philanthropists Dr. Susan Samueli and Dr. Henry Samueli and Clalit Health Services, the largest HMO in Israel.
By merging the different dimensions of the person and the disease, guided by scientific research, the Institute will facilitate transformative investigations that pave the way for innovative solutions. This ambitious endeavor requires a unique and synergistic constellation of factors: a comprehensive academic cancer facility with a diverse clinical staff, direct involvement in the patient journey beyond hospital boundaries, the capacity to create a data lake and analyze it using advanced artificial intelligence tools and a collaborative approach that fosters partnerships with external experts, companies, academia and stakeholders.
This constellation, almost unique to Israel due to its health care system structure, early adoptive culture and vibrant ecosystem, sets the stage for fast-tracked innovations with global relevance. The ultimate goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
The Institute's primary focus will be on patient-centric innovations that improve various aspects of the treatment journey. This includes leveraging digital technologies for patient and staff engagement, implementing behavioral interventions to enhance treatment adherence and safety and promoting physical and emotional resilience. Concurrently, the institute will develop the data lake and biological infrastructures necessary for in-depth research.
The data lake will be built upon Clalit's vast clinical databases of the Davidoff Center's cancer patients, augmented by digital pathology and radiology to provide comprehensive imaging data. It will encompass wide-ranging biological analyses such as genetics and proteomics, as well as soft parameters related to emotional well-being and nutrition. Advanced artificial intelligence tools will power the analysis of this data, generating novel insights for rapid translation into patient-centric solutions and facilitating further biological studies to deepen our mechanistic understanding of cancer.
Looking ahead, this integrative approach will yield a comprehensive understanding of cancer, from its molecular underpinnings to its profound impact on individuals and society. As we venture into uncharted territory with the use of advanced artificial intelligence tools and the merging of new dimensions of knowledge, the Samueli Institute will establish an interdisciplinary team that includes law and ethics scholars. Their role will be to study and establish the necessary rules, conventions and standards that will guide future advancements in cancer care. Our long-term objective is for other global players — hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies — to join us in this effort. The more data and participation we have, the quicker we will find a cure.
The future of cancer medicine is bright, driven by the transformative potential of the Whole-Person Approach, the power of data-driven insights, and the collaboration of dedicated experts and stakeholders. Through the pioneering efforts of the Samueli Institute, we can envision a future where cancer care is truly personalized, holistic and impactful, improving the lives of countless individuals affected by this devastating disease.
Professor Gal Markel, M.D., Ph.D, MBA is the head of the Davidoff Center and chairman of the Samueli Integrative Cancer Pioneering Institute. The Davidoff Center is the first cancer hospital in Israel, dedicated to cancer prevention, treatment and research. It treats one in every seven patients in Israel who are diagnosed each year with cancer.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Whole Person Approach to cancer care can save lives
