IBM’s Watson AI, a supercomputer, successfully diagnosed a rare form of leukaemia in a woman, which doctors had initially misdiagnosed. This breakthrough came at the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Medical Science, where doctors were struggling to identify the cause of the woman’s frequent, severe health complications. Watson analysed the woman’s genetic information and compared it with 20 million oncological studies within ten minutes, resulting in the correct diagnosis. This swift identification allowed for a more accurate treatment plan, saving the woman’s life.

This event marks a significant milestone in the adoption of AI in healthcare. Watson’s ability to cross-reference vast amounts of data in a short time could revolutionise diagnosis and treatment processes, particularly for rare conditions. IBM’s Watson AI is already being used in over 230 hospitals worldwide, assisting doctors in diagnosing and treating various diseases. It also offers potential for personalised treatment plans based on individual genetic information.

Despite this success, some experts caution against over-reliance on AI, noting that it should complement, not replace, human judgement. They argue that AI lacks the human touch and intuition, which are critical in healthcare. Nonetheless, the successful use of Watson AI in this case demonstrates the potential for AI to significantly enhance medical diagnoses and treatments.

Go to source article: https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/07/ibms-watson-ai-saved-a-woman-from-leukemia/