IBM makes Watson technology available to US employees fighting cancer

Watson's insights of patient data will be augmented with support from Best Doctors, a provider of clinical consultation services.

The Best Doctors team will collect medical records with the patient’s permission and feed relevant information into Watson.

Watson will then generate a report, which will be reviewed by expert oncologists in the Best Doctors network. The final assessment will be offered to the patient and their treating oncologist.

The Watson technology will be used for various cancer-associated services, including one that matches eligible patients with appropriate clinical trials for breast, lung, colorectal and gastric cancers, with other types of the disease anticipated to be added next year.

Another service analyzes the genomic profile of a patient’s tumor and provides doctors with data about potential cancer-causing mutations, offering insights on targeted therapies.

IBM Watson Health chief health officer Kyu Rhee said: “For anyone receiving the diagnosis, or supporting a loved one through it, cancer can be overwhelming.

“Now a second opinion staffed by the powerful combination of Watson and world-renowned oncologists in the Best Doctors network is readily available.

“With this first-ever U.S. rollout of the technology, the full breadth and depth of Watson's services can benefit an entire population of individuals who need them.”