The IIS La Fe integrates virtual biopsy into the field of pediatric oncology thanks to the PRIMAGE project

The European PRIMAGE project, led by the Biomedical Imaging Research Group (GIBI 2^30) and the Pediatric Oncology Unit of the La Fe Health Research Institute (IIS La Fe), has concluded its four-year journey with the successful integration of artificial intelligence in the fields of medical imaging and pediatric oncology.

Directed by the head of GIBI 230 and the Clinical Area of Medical Imaging at the La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, Dr. Luis Martí-Bonmatí, the project has developed a cloud-based data platform that serves as a crucial support system for decision-making in the clinical management of malignant solid pediatric tumors such as neuroblastoma (NB), the most common solid cancer in childhood, and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), considered the leading cause of tumor-related deaths in children.

Virtual biopsy and cloud data

PRIMAGE's most significant contribution is the creation of a data repository that provides predictive tools for diagnosis, prognosis, therapy selection, and treatment monitoring in these two types of childhood cancer. These tools are based on the use of new image biomarkers, in silico tumor growth models, and advanced visualization tools for patterns and predictions. Furthermore, their implementation through machine learning models for predicting clinical outcomes of interest, such as survival and therapeutic response, establishes more relevant and specific clinical evaluation criteria for these pediatric diseases.

The culmination of this project translates into the integration of the innovative virtual biopsy process into the field of pediatric oncology. This advancement marks a significant step toward more precise and advanced healthcare for affected children, providing tools that enhance clinical decision-making. It represents progress in medical research by advancing the development of advanced computational analysis methods and artificial intelligence applied to medical images in the field of childhood cancer.

PRIMAGE not only represents a scientific achievement but also a renewed commitment to improving the quality of life for children facing such significant health challenges. With the integration of artificial intelligence in pediatric oncology care, a new era opens up in the fight against childhood cancer.

Multidisciplinary and international project

The European Society for Pediatric Oncology, two image biobanks, and three of the most prominent European pediatric oncology units, including the La Fe Health Research Institute, have been partners in this project. Through this collaboration, access to retrospective data records (images and clinical, molecular, and genetic data) was possible for training machine learning algorithms and the development and validation of in silico tools.

The project lasted for 4 years and involved the collaboration of 15 entities, both national and international, further strengthening the knowledge base and clinical applicability of the results.

According to the project director, Dr. Luis Martí-Bonmatí, "PRIMAGE represents a significant step forward, both in the scientific realm and in the ongoing commitment to improving healthcare for children facing oncological challenges. Thus, the successful integration of artificial intelligence in pediatric oncology care marks the beginning of a new era in the fight against childhood cancer."