Using Virtual Reality to Stop Cancer in its Tracks

Pixabay Image Credit

https://mashable.com/video/virtual-reality-map-tumor-cancer-tech-vr

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2022/08/29/from-smart-knives-to-virtual-reality-tumours-five-innovations-in-understanding-cancer/

Using Virtual Reality to Stop Cancer in its Tracks

Working in the healthcare industry has allowed me see the applications of lifesaving technology in action. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications are making entertainment and work better, and tumor visualization is one area where VR shines. Pathologists and technicians can use the information gathered from observing tumors as a 3D map they can then look at using VR and produce better treatment plans and diagnosis.

Every day, technicians view laboratory results on flat screens to determine the stage of tumor growth and a sense of urgency for treatment. VR is being used in more industries as the technology matures, and the technology is being refined out of pure entertainment. Medical research based on modeled cells and tumors can allow for individual treatment plans and research. In essence, researchers can view, manipulate and better view the development of tumors.

The UK-based Cancer Research Institute of Cambridge received a grant of 20-million pounds in 2017 to map tumors using VR applications. Since this time, they have developed the ability to model tumor cells in a way that pathologists and technicians can make more accurate diagnosis based on more accurate real-time models. Tumors can be scanned from biopsies and information collected that researchers, technicians and interact with using VR headsets in 3D as opposed to the traditional 2D screens currently used. Using these new technologies, accuracy and efficiency of treatment is positively impacted and this application of VR is beneficial for society. Oncology is a field that can use VR to save lives and impact quality of life worldwide.

The medical industry, particularly in oncology requires fine detail to make diagnosis for treatment. Since cancer cells and tumors are 3-dimensional structures, it makes the most sense to view and model them in 3D, but the current technology utilizes paraffin blocks and 2D models on screens. This application uses a headset and can be adopted to monitors as well for further analysis.

VR and AR have made remote appointments possible, and are now moving into modeling and viewing applications as well. Being able to use VR outside of entertainment applications is great to see, and is genuinely helping people in need. Not only will this help those in need and improve medical knowledge in oncology, but it will also build more use case and investment funding for VR technologies.

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