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AI Tool uses Selfies to Predict Biological Age and Cancer Survival
A new AI tool, FaceAge, is transforming how doctors assess patient frailty by using selfies to estimate biological age. Developed by researchers at Mass Brigham Health and described in The Lancet Digital Health, FaceAge was trained on over 58,000 images of healthy older adults and tested on cancer patients. The algorithm revealed cancer patients appeared nearly five years older biologically than their actual age, helping predict survival rates and guide treatment intensity. Unlike human perception, FaceAge emphasizes subtle muscle changes over traits like gray hair. While the tool improved doctors' prognostic accuracy, researchers are addressing potential biases and ethical concerns. A public version may soon be available for research participation, with clinical use dependent on further validation.
Medigy Insights
FaceAge, an AI tool developed at Mass Brigham Health, estimates biological age from selfies to support medical decision-making. Published in The Lancet Digital Health, the model revealed cancer patients appear nearly five years older biologically, aiding predictions of treatment tolerance and survival. It outperformed doctors in forecasting short-term outcomes and focuses on subtle facial cues. While promising, researchers are addressing ethical concerns, potential bias, and external factors. A public research portal is planned, with clinical deployment pending further validation.
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