Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed the landscape of cancer research, providing new ways to tackle one of the most complex diseases.

AI has enabled more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and deeper understanding of cancer's underlying mechanisms.

If you're a high school student intrigued by the intersection of technology and oncology, this is an exciting field to explore.

Through these projects, you can leverage AI to address real-world cancer research challenges while building valuable skills for your future.

Many high school science fairs and competitions welcome innovative projects that address critical issues like cancer.

The ideas in this list are tailored to high school students, focusing on AI applications that don't require advanced technical knowledge but still offer opportunities to make significant discoveries.

You'll have the chance to work with real-world data, collaborate with peers and mentors, and develop skills in coding, data analysis, and scientific research.

Why science research?

Science research is the key to understanding the world around us and finding solutions to complex problems.

When you engage in research, you develop critical thinking skills and learn how to ask meaningful questions.

It allows you to explore topics you're passionate about and discover new information.

Science research fosters innovation, encouraging you to experiment and think creatively.

By conducting research, you're not just learning—you're contributing to a broader understanding of science and potentially making a difference in your field.

Top 9 AI and Cancer Research Ideas In high school, you likely have access to basic programming resources and online platforms that offer AI tools, making this an excellent time to dive into AI and cancer research.

These projects are designed to inspire you to apply AI in meaningful ways, whether it's analyzing medical images, predicting cancer risks, or uncovering new treatment options.

By exploring these ideas, you can combine your interest in technology with your passion for science, creating a foundation for future studies or even a career in cancer research.

1. Cancer Diagnosis In this project, explore how AI can help diagnose cancer.

Investigate different AI-based diagnostic tools, like machine learning algorithms that analyze medical images, and assess their accuracy compared to traditional methods.

You could focus on a specific type of cancer, such as breast or lung cancer, and analyze how AI is used to identify abnormalities in imaging scans.

Summarize your findings in a report, discussing the benefits and limitations of AI-based diagnosis.

2. AI in Cancer Treatment Planning AI can play a significant role in planning cancer treatment by analyzing patient data and suggesting personalized treatment plans.

In this project, explore how AI algorithms are used to optimize treatment, considering factors like tumor size, location, and patient health.

You could analyze case studies where AI has improved treatment outcomes and propose your own algorithm to help guide treatment decisions.

In 2018, Rishab Jain developed a machine learning-based algorithm that tracks the pancreas in a patient’s scans to allow radiotherapy and other treatment to treat the tumor as accurately as possible.

He won the title of America’s Top Young Scientist at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge (and $25,000)!

Learn more about how he did it in this video here… https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=sqfzvvn2GY0 “In the radiotherapy treatment where radiation is applied to kill tumor cells, my tool tracks the pancreas in the scan itself,” Jain explains. “When the radiation hits, it hits the pancreas accurately and efficiently so it can help treat the tumor much more effectively. ” Time

3. AI for Drug Discovery AI is transforming drug discovery by accelerating the identification of new compounds that could treat cancer.

This project involves exploring how AI algorithms scan large databases to find promising drug candidates.

Investigate AI techniques like deep learning and natural language processing to understand how they are used in drug discovery.

Present your findings, focusing on the impact of AI on the speed and cost of developing new cancer drugs.

4. Cancer Prognosis Prognosis is a critical aspect of cancer care, and AI can help predict patient outcomes based on a variety of factors.

In this project, explore how AI models analyze patient data to estimate prognosis, including survival rates and recurrence risks.

You could study specific AI models used in clinical settings and discuss how they are trained and validated.

Consider creating your own AI model to predict cancer prognosis based on existing datasets.

5. Cancer Genomics Cancer genomics involves studying the genetic changes associated with cancer, and AI can assist in analyzing large genomic datasets.

In this project, investigate how AI tools are used to identify genetic mutations linked to cancer and how they can guide personalized treatments.

Explore specific software platforms and discuss their role in genomic analysis.

Propose new ways AI could enhance our understanding of cancer genomics.

6. Cancer Patient Monitoring Monitoring cancer patients is crucial for assessing treatment effectiveness and detecting recurrence.

This project examines how AI can streamline patient monitoring by analyzing health records, imaging, and other data sources.

Investigate AI applications that alert healthcare professionals to significant changes in patient data, allowing for early intervention.

Discuss the advantages and challenges of AI in patient monitoring and propose ways to improve its use.

7. Cancer Risk Assessment AI can be used to assess cancer risk based on lifestyle factors, genetics, and environmental exposures.

In this project, explore how AI models predict cancer risk and identify individuals at higher risk for preventive measures.

Analyze different risk assessment tools and discuss their accuracy and reliability.

You could also propose a new AI-based risk assessment model that integrates various risk factors to improve prediction accuracy.

8. AI in Cancer Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is a cutting-edge cancer treatment, and AI can assist in its development and optimization.

This project investigates how AI is used to design new immunotherapies, such as CAR T-cell therapy, by analyzing large datasets and identifying potential targets.

Explore AI applications that help predict patient responses to immunotherapy and suggest personalized treatments.

Discuss the impact of AI on the future of immunotherapy.

9. Cancer Screening Early cancer screening is key to successful treatment, and AI can improve its accuracy.

In this project, explore how AI algorithms are used in cancer screening, analyzing medical images or patient data to detect early signs of cancer.

Examine specific AI-based screening tools, such as those used for mammograms or colonoscopies, and discuss their sensitivity and specificity.

Consider developing a new AI-based screening model to enhance early detection.

Gopalaniruddh Tadinada and Rishabh Ranjan won the H.

Robert Horvitz Prize at ISEF in 2023 ($10,000!) for building a custom, automated system to detect gastrointestinal cancer before serious symptoms appear.

The team’s system combines robotics and machine learning to analyze blood samples to identify healthy patients, as well as those with pancreatic, colorectal or hepatic cancers, in only three hours at an estimated cost of only $30

0. “This project aims to improve early GI cancer detection through the analysis of serum miRNAs with a custom built, automated, end-to-end system: CanDELA.

CanDELA uses a magnetic bead based miRNA extraction apparatus to extract miRNAs from patient whole blood samples, and an automated peristaltic pump based liquid handling robot to synthesize an appropriate solution for cDNA synthesis. ” Society for Science Final Thoughts These 9 project ideas offer high school students a range of options for exploring AI's role in cancer research.

Whether you're interested in diagnosis, treatment, or genomics, these projects can provide a solid foundation for your science fair or passion project, combining technology and oncology to address one of the most critical health challenges of our time.

If you want to elevate your project but don’t know where to start, take a look at Rishab’s FREE STEM STUDENT GUIDE full of straightforward, practical advice tailored for students aiming to step into the science fair arena and take their projects all the way to internationals.

This guide offers tips on planning and conducting research, presenting your project, and how to get yourself stellar opportunities in the STEM world.

Whether you’re troubleshooting a tricky part of your project or looking for ways to present your conclusions more persuasively, Rishab can help you take your research and presentations to new heights!.