Large language model use in clinical oncology

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nicolas Carl - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Universitätsmedizin Mannheim (Author)
  • Franziska Schramm - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Sarah Haggenmüller - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Jakob Nikolas Kather - , Else Kröner Fresenius Center for Digital Health (Author)
  • Martin J. Hetz - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Christoph Wies - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University  (Author)
  • Maurice Stephan Michel - , Universitätsmedizin Mannheim (Author)
  • Frederik Wessels - , Universitätsmedizin Mannheim (Author)
  • Titus J. Brinker - , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) are undergoing intensive research for various healthcare domains. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses current applications, methodologies, and the performance of LLMs in clinical oncology. A mixed-methods approach was used to extract, summarize, and compare methodological approaches and outcomes. This review includes 34 studies. LLMs are primarily evaluated on their ability to answer oncologic questions across various domains. The meta-analysis highlights a significant performance variance, influenced by diverse methodologies and evaluation criteria. Furthermore, differences in inherent model capabilities, prompting strategies, and oncological subdomains contribute to heterogeneity. The lack of use of standardized and LLM-specific reporting protocols leads to methodological disparities, which must be addressed to ensure comparability in LLM research and ultimately leverage the reliable integration of LLM technologies into clinical practice.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number240
Number of pages17
Journalnpj Precision Oncology
Volume8 (2024)
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 23 Oct 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas