Healing with AI: Hadassah’s Innovations in Cancer Detection and Treatment
On this episode of Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine, we’re talking about two medical breakthroughs that are changing the face of cancer detection and treatment in Israel — and beyond.First, we explore the Vectra WB360, a cutting-edge digital mole mapping system newly installed at Hadassah and the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Dr. Rony Shreberk-Hassidim, a senior physician in the Department of Dermatology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, explains how this AI-enhanced machine utilizes 92 synchronized cameras to photograph the entire body in under a minute and then tracks changes in moles over time.“Early detection saves lives,” says Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim. “The software creates a full body map, flags suspicious lesions and helps us predict which moles could become cancerous.”Next, Prof. Aron Popovtzer, director of the Sharett Institute of Oncology at the Hadassah Medical Organization, introduces us to Hadassah’s new vertical proton therapy system, developed in partnership with Israeli startup P-Cure.Unlike traditional radiation, which often damages surrounding tissue, this approach minimizes toxicity by using the Bragg peak effect to target tumors precisely — and from a seated position. “It’s such a simple idea,” Prof. Popovtzer says.“Instead of rotating a giant radiation beam around the patient, we rotate the patient around the beam.” We also explore the future of personalized cancer treatment, combining liquid biopsies, tissue samples, and artificial intelligence to tailor therapy.Both guests agree the future is bright — but caution that ethical and clinical oversight must evolve alongside the technology.“AI will never replace the physician,” Dr. Shreberk-Hassidim says. “It assists — but the human context is still essential.”Plus, we touch on how war-related stress is impacting cancer rates and skin conditions in Israel today.
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