New AI tool can predict cancer survival by a single patient selfie, study suggests
Summary
Researchers at Mass General Brigham created an AI tool that predicts cancer patients’ chances of survival from a single photo of their face. The AI estimates biological age and directly predicts survival, using data from over 40 million facial images to help guide medical treatment decisions.Key Facts
- The AI system was developed to estimate biological age and predict cancer survival from a facial photo.
- Two tools were created: FAHR-FaceAge estimates biological age and predicts survival, while FAHR-FaceSurvival predicts survival directly from the photo.
- The AI looks at specific facial areas to make different health predictions, such as creases near the nose and eyes.
- Patients who appeared 5 or more years older than their real age had a 21% higher risk of dying over four years.
- Patients who looked 5 or more years younger had a 17% lower risk of death.
- The AI was trained on more than 40 million images from different ages and ethnicities.
- The tool could help doctors decide the best cancer treatments based on a patient’s physical health shown in their face.
- Lifestyle factors like heavy drinking, smoking, and drug use were linked to looking biologically older in the AI analysis.
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