Neural networks and other machine learning methods in cancer research

Abstract

Evidence-based medicine has grown in stature over the last three decades and is now regarded a key development of modern medicine. The evidence base can be heterogeneous, involving both qualitative knowledge and measured quantitative data. Machine Learning (ML) methods have also begun to establish themselves as an alternative and promising approach to computer-based data analysis in oncology, as this field moves gradually away from being the preserve of traditional statistical analysis. In this paper, we describe the main areas of cancer research in which ML methods are currently being applied, and briefly discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of their application. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.