Project Leader: Dr. Maciej Gagat, Prof. UMK
The ION-AI research team addresses one of the most significant challenges in contemporary oncology: developing AI-based diagnostic and prognostic tools to support personalized cancer treatment, with a particular focus on cancers associated with chronic inflammation.
The project aims to identify new prognostic and predictive biomarkers by integrating histopathological images, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, and information from electronic medical records, such as treatment history and survival outcomes. The team will employ advanced deep learning algorithms to analyze these diverse datasets, enabling the discovery of key molecular and morphological patterns linked to disease progression, prognosis, and therapy response.
Experimental in vitro functional studies on cancer cell lines will also be conducted to validate the identified biomarkers and assess their role in molecular mechanisms of inflammatory response, tumor progression, and therapy resistance. Planned analyses include gene expression profiling, protein localization studies, proliferation and migration assays, and evaluations of variable responses to inflammatory factors and drugs.
The project is interdisciplinary, combining expertise in oncology, histology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning. Utilizing UMK’s modern infrastructure, the team will develop a scalable and cost-effective platform for translational research. The goal is to support data-driven clinical decision-making and advance innovative AI solutions applicable in medical practice.
Through the synergy of knowledge and technology, the ION-AI team will accelerate the discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers, supporting the development of precision medicine and improving the efficacy of cancer therapies both nationally and internationally. The project aligns with the priority area “Discovery, Diagnostics, Therapy for Healthcare (D2TH)” and contributes to the broader context of communication and patient well-being by developing tools that enhance understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers tailored to individual patient needs.