The IMPaCT 'Digital Twins' project, a personalized medicine initiative in Spain, has enrolled 110 women with advanced cancer to develop virtual models of their diseases. Led by the National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) and funded with 2.5 million euros, the project aims to use artificial intelligence to predict disease progression and tailor treatments for patients with breast, lung, or colon cancer.
Creating Virtual Models with AI
The 'Digital Twins' project collects comprehensive data from participants, including biological samples (blood, faeces, urine) and information on their habits and emotional states gathered through smartwatches and a dedicated app. This data is then used to create virtual models of the patients, allowing researchers to study how the disease evolves and determine the most effective treatments and lifestyle adjustments for each individual.
Early Results and Future Applications
Data from the first 30 participants were presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) meeting in Barcelona. Miguel Quintela, director of the Clinical Research Programme at CNIO and coordinator of the project, noted the high quality of the samples and data collected. The long-term goal is to develop virtual assistants that can support medical teams in making more informed decisions.
Altruistic Contribution to Future Care
Participants in the 'Digital Twins' project are contributing altruistically, as their involvement will not directly improve their own treatment but will potentially benefit future cancer patients. The project seeks to enroll women with advanced solid tumors requiring first-line treatment who have not previously received treatment for metastases and for whom curative treatment is not possible. The initiative is part of the broader IMPaCT (Infrastructure of Precision Medicine Associated with Science and Technology) program launched by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).
