As we step into 2025, the landscape of cancer care is being revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the realm of patient monitoring and side effect management. AI-powered tools are now at the forefront of predicting and preventing the often debilitating side effects of cancer treatments, offering a new level of personalized care that was once thought impossible. From skin changes and lymphoedema to cognitive impairments and heart damage, these AI systems are transforming how we approach patient care during and after cancer treatment, potentially improving quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.

In the intricate dance between treatment and recovery, AI becomes the vigilant partner, anticipating each step to ensure the patient’s journey is as smooth as possible.

Recent advancements in AI-driven patient monitoring systems have shown remarkable promise in predicting and mitigating treatment side effects. For instance, an international team of researchers has developed an AI tool that can predict which breast cancer patients may be at risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy [eCancer 2024]. This explainable AI tool, set to be tested in a clinical trial across France, The Netherlands, and the UK, aims to make more accurate predictions for each individual patient, as well as provide easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients. By analyzing factors that increase the risk of side effects, this tool could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The potential of AI in managing cancer treatment side effects extends beyond prediction to active monitoring and intervention. AI-enhanced Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) systems have demonstrated the ability to maintain symptom burden at manageable levels during cancer treatment [antican res 2025]. For example, patients using the Advanced Symptom Management System (ASyMS) maintained symptom levels similar to pre-chemotherapy baselines, while control groups experienced increased symptom burden. This real-time reporting and direct communication facilitated by RPM can enhance patient support and potentially improve outcomes. Moreover, these AI-driven systems have shown efficacy across different age groups, challenging the assumption that older patients may struggle with technology and reinforcing their potential for broader application in cancer care.

Wrapping Up with Key Insights

As we continue to harness the power of AI in cancer care, the future of patient monitoring and side effect management looks increasingly promising. These AI-powered tools offer the potential to not only predict and prevent treatment side effects but also to personalize care in ways previously unimaginable. For patients, this means a higher quality of life during and after treatment. For healthcare providers, it offers a powerful ally in delivering more effective and tailored care. As we move forward, it’s crucial to continue refining these AI systems, addressing challenges such as data quality and integration into clinical workflows. By embracing these technological advancements, we can work towards a future where cancer treatment is not only more effective but also more tolerable for patients, ultimately improving outcomes and saving lives.