Survival and Quality of Life of Cancer Patients

In this research project we are developing tools that will help doctors and cancer patients make better informed decisions about courses of treatment. Our work so far has focused on pancreatic cancer, which has an especially high mortality rate and low life expectancy. Survival of some patients may be extended through surgery (Whipple procedure). However, this procedure is very traumatic and has a lengthy recovery time. Thus, the decision to operate will have a significant impact on quality of life of the patient and it is important that the decision take into account the best available forecasting techniques. Our current work involves a combination of machine learning and more traditional multivariate regression for improved forecasting. Plans include developing machine learning models that will aid understanding of the factors that affect survival and quality of life, with the aim of improving both.


Publications (asterisks denote student co-authors)


Project Personnel

Faculty

Alumni