Impact of artificial intelligence on breast care pathways and future perspectives

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a sophisticated technology already established in medicine. In mastology, there is robust evidence of the ability of AI software to optimize screening, reduce interval cancer rates, and decrease patient recall rates. In addition, AI provides parameters for predicting surgical complications and oncological therapeutic outcomes. Considering the rise of AI, this article aimed to conduct an integrative review, highlighting its main tools developed in mastology. A search was performed on the United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) platform, using descriptors associated with AI and breast cancer. Retrospective studies, systematic reviews, and prospective clinical studies published in English in the last ten years were included. The results were organized by thematic areas and summarized in a table and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart. Data analysis showed a concentration of information in the area of imaging — with advances in radiomics — and a still incipient, albeit promising, development in areas such as genetics and surgery. The article highlights the need for discussion on the ethical issues surrounding the implementation of AI. The reliability of data collection and manipulation must be guaranteed, and data automation should not imply automation of conduct, since medical responsibility in patient care is perennial.