AI and Innovation in Oncology

Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, MSEd, systemwide chief of hematology and oncology at St. Lukes University Health Network and co-founder and chief medical officer at Massive Bio, discusses the significant advancements and ongoing efforts in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into oncology, particularly in the context of the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

A central theme of ASCO 2025 was the intersection of technology and AI in oncology, with a focus on translating knowledge into action. Loaiza-Bonilla highlighted an ASCO-ESMO joint session on biomarker-driven therapeutics, aiming to leverage digital tools for optimizing biomarker testing and revolutionizing patient-centric research delivery. He specifically presented on how AI-enabled pre-screening hubs can operationalize real-time clinical trial matching and biomarker testing at scale. The goal is to integrate next-generation sequencing, electronic health record data via FIRE standards, and real-world data to democratize access to precision medicine, especially for underserved populations. The initiative aims to decentralize and hybridize clinical trials, optimizing research opportunities given that a large percentage of Americans live near diagnostic centers or pharmacies.

Complementing these efforts, Loaiza-Bonilla co-authored a chapter in the 2025 ASCO educational book, titled "Driving Knowledge to Action, Building a Better Future where Artificial Intelligence Enable Multidisciplinary Oncology." This chapter explores AI's impact across various oncology specialties, from radiology to pathology and medical oncology, while addressing critical challenges such as bias, data privacy, explainability, and global equity. The objective is to establish actionable strategies for AI-driven oncology that are not only precise but also inclusive, ethical, and sustainable globally, ultimately optimizing the patient experience and care delivery.

Beyond AI, Loaiza-Bonilla emphasizes other key takeaways from ASCO 2025, including multi-modality approaches, improved biomarker utilization, and the evolving role of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and immunotherapy. He notes the emergence of new disruptors in the space, such as ADCs in combination therapies, and the ability to answer previously unaddressed questions through larger population studies. Overall, Loaiza-Bonilla expresses excitement for the future of oncology.

“I am excited about the future in oncology and how we are making strides in advancing care. And [I am] happy to be part of the conversation and discussing this with everyone here,” he concludes.