Will Google’s unfathomable algorithm ever be used in the fight against cancer? Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) discovered that the mathematical model used to predict the most visited sites by an Internet user is able to map the propagation of lung cancer cells in the body.
“This research shows that the Internet can be compared to a living organism, explains Professor Paul Newton in a university press release. The same kinds of tools that help us understand the dissemination of information can help us understand the spread of cancer in the human body “.
Targeting the best cancer treatments
It is a sophisticated system of mathematical equations with the cryptic name of Markov chain that has been used by scientists. This mathematical model has shown that pulmonary metastases (infiltrations outside the lungs, editor’s note) do not progress in one direction but in several parts of the body at the same time.
Another finding: the first location of cancer cells plays a key role in the development of the disease. Cells “killers “are more in the adrenal glands than in the lymph nodes.
These results published in the journal Cancer research may ultimately have a clinical impact, subject to further research. We can imagine that one day doctors will be able to target treatments most suitable for limiting the progression of lung cancer.
>> To read also: Lung cancer: are you at risk?
