Exploring the Role of AI in the Fight Against Cancer

In this episode, Jamie Serino and Peter Carucci speak with Dr. Despina Kontos, a professor and cancer researcher at Columbia University, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming cancer research and patient care. From her roots in engineering to her pioneering work in medical imaging, Dr. Kontos shares how AI is moving from simple computer vision tools to sophisticated predictive analytics that are already saving lives. The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of bringing AI into clinical settings—from legal concerns to integration into existing medical workflows. Dr. Kontos also weighs in on the role of the private sector in driving innovation, the potential of democratizing medical technology to improve access, and why personal responsibility and preventative care are more important than ever. It’s a thought-provoking look at the intersection of technology, medicine, and human decision-making in the era of AI.