PageRank and Cancer Control

German scientists use a modified version of PageRank to scan tumors. This algorithm, NetRank, scans genes and proteins in cells and determines all the features of the links between them, just like PageRank scans web pages for hyperlinks. This approach can help in finding new ways to treat tumors.

Christoph Winter, MD, Lund University, Sweden:

- At first, we experimented in every way and tried to come up with our own algorithm for finding relationships. Then we decided that we should not reinvent the wheel when there is PageRank.

So far, research has focused on pancreatic tumors, the most common of which are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, causing more than 130,000 deaths per year (Europe and the US).

Researchers used NetRank to analyze 20,000 proteins to determine approximate survival rates. After that, 7 proteins were identified that can help in assessing the "aggressiveness" of the tumor. And this assessment is a direct guide for doctors whether it is worth using chemotherapy or not.

“The most surprising thing for me is the fact that the method used in one area (computer science) can be successfully used in a completely different field - in medicine,” Christoph said.

Winter also warned everyone not to be overly optimistic about this news - as long as it is not about diagnosing or preventing cancer, the algorithm is used only in cases with patients who already have a diagnosis.


via

PS

Who cares - scientific article these guys.