Could computers cure cancer patients? (time, cancerous, colonoscopy)

[ahigherway]

I have this idea:

we see how computers are able to very quickly scan all files in the system, and separate the files that are identified as "viruses."

So, if cancer cells have a unique structure, couldn't a computer to instructed to scan the body and identify and eliminate the cells that have that same structure?



Peace,
brian

[Gone-2-Beach]

Originally Posted by ahigherway

I have this idea:

we see how computers are able to very quickly scan all files in the system, and separate the files that are identified as "viruses."

So, if cancer cells have a unique structure, couldn't a computer to instructed to scan the body and identify and eliminate the cells that have that same structure?

It is a futuristic, but very interesting thought.

We can do that now with a colonoscopy as the tube is in place, identifies a troubled spot and can many times remove things found within.

Think about applying that capability to the future of the PET/CT scan, where the scan can identify the troubled spot and then maybe a radiation beam or some other "modality" can be used to remove it. There would probably need to be some kind of follow-up to assure that there are no other "nasties" still in the body, since the cancer "files" can't necessarily be separated from the other "files" in the body ... at least not today. But tomorrow? Who knows.

Interesting thinking!

[ahigherway]

Originally Posted by Charley

It is a futuristic, but very interesting thought.

We can do that now with a colonoscopy as the tube is in place, identifies a troubled spot and can many times remove things found within.

Think about applying that capability to the future of the PET/CT scan, where the scan can identify the troubled spot and then maybe a radiation beam or some other "modality" can be used to remove it. There would probably need to be some kind of follow-up to assure that there are no other "nasties" still in the body, since the cancer "files" can't necessarily be separated from the other "files" in the body ... at least not today. But tomorrow? Who knows.

Interesting thinking!

Thank you, Charley. It's an idea that's been in my mind for a while now. I hope that if it's not being studied already, that it will start soon!

If computers can identify the "specific code" of the cancerous cells, then a body scan with the computer would be able to identify each and every harmful cell in the body. As of now, we use CAT scans, x-rays, etc. But the computer would be able to identify every single cell that fits the "code," no matter what part of the body it is in.

I'd really like to know if researchers have looked into this approach or not. I think our technology is ready for it.


Peace,
brian