Beyond the Cancer Diagnosis: Dialogue with Jasmin Hundal, by Adrian Pogacian

In this edition of “Beyond Cancer Diagnosis”, Adrian Pogacian and Jasmin Hundal discuss the impact of AI in oncology—its potential to enhance patient-centered care, support physicians, and combat misinformation. They explore both the opportunities and challenges AI presents in shaping the future of cancer treatment.

Jasmin Hundal, MD, DiplABLM, MS, MPH, is a hematology-oncology fellow at the Cleveland Clinic focusing on breast oncology, survivorship, and lifestyle medicine. She is passionate about bridging gaps in cancer care, advancing research at the intersection of cardiometabolic health and oncology, and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes. With an MPH and a background in general internal medicine, she is dedicated to addressing health disparities, promoting preventive care, and mentoring the next generation of physicians. Her research explores the impact of obesity, metabolic health, immunotherapy in breast cancer, and AI’s role in oncology. She is also an advocate for using digital platforms to enhance medical education and patient engagement.

Adrian Pogacian, MS Psychology, clinical psychologist with executive education in Psycho-oncology, holding a degree in Global Health Diplomacy from Geneva Graduate Institute. Currently, researcher and associate lecturer with focus on Impact of Cancer Diagnosis on Couples and Families, Communication in Cancer Care and Posttraumatic Growth. His expertise is on Coping with Cancer and managing Fear of Recurrence.

Additionally, Founder of INCKA Psycho-oncology Center, Host of Beyond the Cancer Diagnosis Interview Series as well as Writer and Host Content in Psycho-oncology at OncoDaily.com, co-author of the first Romanian Multimodal Care Guideline in Pediatric Onco-hematology, active contributor to the International Psycho-oncology Society, presently IPOS Fear of Cancer Recurrence SIG member and IPOS Early Career Professionals in Psycho-Oncology Committee founder member.

Cancer faces AI. Advance or misinformation?

Adrian Pogacian: Dear Jasmin, to begin our interview, I would like to ask you to define and underline the mission and values of the patient-centered approach.

Jasmin Hundal: For me, a patient-centered approach in oncology means prioritizing individualized care, shared decision-making, and holistic well-being. It’s about recognizing that cancer isn’t just a biological disease. it affects every aspect of a patient’s life, from their physical health to their emotional and social well-being. My focus is always on ensuring that patients feel heard, informed, and empowered to make decisions that align with their values and preferences. At the core of this approach are empathy, open communication, and equity.

Adrian Pogacian: Consequently, in which extend the Artificial Intelligence it’s a valuable instrument in achieving these purposes?

Jasmin Hundal: AI has the potential to revolutionize patient-centered care by enhancing how we diagnose, treat, and support patients. One of the most valuable aspects of AI is its ability to process vast amounts of data quickly, helping us personalize treatment plans based on a patient’s unique characteristics. AI-driven tools can also provide real-time patient education, flag potential side effects early, and improve care coordination. By integrating AI into oncology practice, we can ensure that patients receive evidence-based, tailored care while also making the healthcare system more efficient and accessible.

Adrian Pogacian: Furthermore, is AI a support for preventing the burnout among oncologists?

Jasmin Hundal: Burnout is a major issue in oncology, with increasing workloads and administrative burdens making it harder for physicians to focus on direct patient care. AI can be a game-changer in alleviating some of these pressures. For example, AI-powered documentation tools can reduce time spent on electronic medical records, allowing oncologists to spend more time with patients. Decision-support systems help us quickly access the latest guidelines and research, reducing cognitive overload. By streamlining workflows and minimizing inefficiencies, AI enables oncologists to practice medicine more effectively while also maintaining their well-being. It is a tool that works as our companion and not a replacement.

Adrian Pogacian: Additionally, could you tell us what innovative technologies work best in supporting the psychosocial dimension of oncological patients?

Jasmin Hundal: Cancer care isn’t just about treating the disease. it’s also about supporting patients’ mental and emotional well-being. I’ve seen how innovative technologies like telehealth platforms make psychosocial care more accessible, allowing patients to receive counseling and support without the burden of travel. Virtual reality is another exciting tool. It has been used to help patients manage anxiety, pain, and even symptoms of treatment-related side effects. AI-powered chatbots provide 24/7 emotional support, ensuring that patients have access to resources even outside of clinic hours. Wearable devices that track physical activity, sleep, and stress levels also play a role in improving overall well-being. It is a very exciting time and I am looking forward be part of the new era of advancements.

Adrian Pogacian: When we are talking about technologies, we have to take into consideration the risk of misinformation. Hence, how critical is this aspect nowadays and which category of cancer patients is the most vulnerable to this danger?

Jasmin Hundal: Misinformation is one of the biggest challenges we face in oncology today, particularly with the rise of social media. Newly diagnosed patients, those with limited health literacy, and individuals seeking alternative therapies online are especially vulnerable. It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread, leading to delayed treatment, unnecessary anxiety, and in some cases, serious harm. As oncologists, we have a responsibility to be proactive in addressing this issue, ensuring that patients have access to reliable, evidence-based information.

Adrian Pogacian: In your opinion, how can we combat disinformation within cancer care?

Jasmin Hundal: Combating misinformation requires a multi-layered approach. I believe that oncologists need to engage directly with patients and the broader community, whether that’s through social media, public education campaigns, or simply spending extra time in clinic discussing common misconceptions. Healthcare organizations and medical societies must also take an active role in disseminating credible information. AI has a role to play as well; machine learning algorithms can help flag misleading content online and direct users to trustworthy sources. Ultimately, empowering patients with digital literacy skills and critical thinking tools is key to ensuring they can navigate the overwhelming amount of health information available today.

Adrian Pogacian: As for the last question, could you name, both, the main challenges and opportunities with regard to cancer care in this world out of balance?

Jasmin Hundal: Cancer care is at a crossroads, with significant challenges but also remarkable opportunities. Disparities in access to treatment, financial toxicity, and the rising incidence of metabolically driven cancers are major concerns. At the same time, we have more tools than ever before to address these challenges. Precision medicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and lifestyle interventions are all advancing rapidly, giving us the ability to personalize care like never before. I see a huge opportunity in leveraging digital health solutions to improve patient education and engagement, making cancer care more proactive rather than reactive. To truly make a difference, we need to address systemic barriers, integrate new technologies responsibly, and always keep the patient at the center of our efforts.

Previous editions of “Beyond The Cancer Diagnosis”.