AI’s Role in Modern Oncology: A New Era of Evidence-Based Cancer Care with Anna Forsythe

In this episode of The Healthy Enterprise, Anna Forsythe, founder and CEO of Oncoscope-AI, shares her journey from manually processing oncology data to creating an AI-powered platform that delivers real-time treatment insights, clinical guidelines, and research to support oncologists in an ever-evolving cancer landscape. She discusses the importance of reliable evidence in decision-making, the positive response from physicians using the free platform, and the role of systematic data reviews in building trust and efficiency. Beyond the technology, Anna reflects on her entrepreneurial path, the challenges and opportunities of leading in healthcare, and the importance of cultivating talent, mission-driven culture, and visionary leadership. The conversation concludes with her insights on business models, community impact, and the future of AI in advancing cancer care.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Oncoscope-AI and Anna Forsythe

03:04 The Need for Real-Time Oncology Data

05:59 Transitioning from Manual to Automated Data Processing

09:11 The Role of AI in Oncology

12:13 Feedback and Response from Healthcare Professionals

14:45 Data Sources and Systematic Reviews in Oncology

18:02 Future Developments and Expanding Services

21:53 AI in Research: Balancing Trust and Efficiency

25:52 Business Model and Revenue Streams

29:44 Personal Journey and Altruism in Business

32:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare

35:34 Leadership and Team Dynamics

39:29 Visionary Leadership and Future Aspirations

Guest Information:

• Guest's Name: Anna Forsythe
• Guest's Title/Position: Founder & CEO
• Guest's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-forsythe-3667143/ 
• Company / Affiliation:  Oncoscope-AI https://oncoscope-ai.com/ 
• Guest's Bio: Anna Forsythe, PharmD, MBA, is the Founder and CEO of Oncoscope-AI, the first platform to unify real-time oncology treatment data, clinical guidelines, research, and regulatory approvals—offered free to oncology professionals worldwide and often described as “Expedia for cancer care.” With a background spanning pharmacy, health economics, and executive leadership at Novartis, Bayer, and Eisai, Anna previously co-founded Purple Squirrel Economics (acquired by Cytel in 2020), has taught health economics at Long Island University, and is a frequent industry speaker and author, with her 2022 JAMA Pediatrics article on conversion therapy ranked in the top 5% of all JAMA research outputs worldwide.

Takeaways:

• Anna Forsythe is the founder and CEO of Oncoscope AI.
• Oncoscope AI provides real-time oncology treatment data and clinical guidelines.
• Doctors are overwhelmed with the volume of new evidence and guidelines.
• The platform aims to simplify access to oncology data, similar to Expedia for travel.
• AI is used to automate data processing but has limitations in consistency and accuracy.
• The platform is currently free for doctors to encourage adoption.
• Feedback from healthcare professionals is shaping the development of the platform.
• Data is sourced from publicly available databases like PubMed and clinical trials.
• The platform is expanding to include more cancer types and features.
• The response from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with over a thousand sign-ups. AI has a 0.2% error rate, necessitating careful review.
• A standardized database enhances research efficiency.
• The business model aims for profit while providing value.
• Personal experiences shape the desire to help others.
• Gathering data from doctors can lead to significant advertising revenue.
• The speaker is focused on launching multiple cancer treatments.
• Trust and transparency are crucial in AI innovation.
• Working with young talent is fulfilling and beneficial.
• Challenges in scaling the business are common in startups.
• Visionary leadership requires prioritization and focus.