Dr. Sotirios Stathakis: A TheraPanacea Customer Interview

Dr. Sotirios Stathakis, the Chief of Physics at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, recently discussed the center's collaboration with TheraPanacea in implementing AI tools to enhance workflow and treatment efficiency. Mary Bird Perkins, recognized as Louisiana's largest cancer treatment facility, leverages technology and research partnerships to improve patient care. Dr. Stathakis's insights illuminate how these advancements are driving their operations forward.

Implementing TheraPanacea's solutions

The collaboration with TheraPanacea began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 through virtual meetings, initiating a professional relationship that Dr. Stathakis continued from his tenure at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. In 2023, when Dr. Stathakis joined Mary Bird Perkins, the center started integrating TheraPanacea’s solutions efficiently. By 2024, they had implemented tools like MRI Box and Annotate, significantly transforming their operations.

With the introduction of the MRI Box, Mary Bird Perkins adopted an MRI-only workflow, especially useful for the treatment of prostate and bladder cancers, a frequent focus at their facility. "We have an MRI only workflow now, thanks to MRI Box," shared Dr. Stathakis. This development reduced the necessity for CT scans, streamlining the patient process. Annotate, another TheraPanacea tool, is employed in 40 to 45 percent of cases, particularly for head, neck, and abdominal procedures, offering precision beyond manual contouring methods.

Overcoming challenges and driving efficiency

Introducing AI solutions like those provided by TheraPanacea posed initial challenges, requiring careful planning and a gradual rollout. Dr. Stathakis highlighted the necessity of starting with control cases, building confidence, and progressively expanding the deployment to ensure a smooth transition. This strategy ultimately led to widespread acceptance among the medical team and enhanced operational efficiencies.

Centralizing their processes has proven advantageous. As Dr. Stathakis explained, "Everything is centralized. Our treatment planning, our imaging, our contouring, our imaging assessments." This centralization enables consistent quality of care across multiple centers, bolstering operational effectiveness and patient outcomes.

Future potentials and advice for AI implementation

Mary Bird Perkins is also investigating TheraPanacea's AdaptBox for adaptive workflow solutions. Though still in the evaluation phase, Dr. Stathakis is enthusiastic about its potential. The challenge lies in the unique nature of different anatomical sites, which necessitates focusing on each area individually.

Dr. Stathakis advises other centers considering AI adoption to conduct thorough research, start with manageable projects, and prepare for an evolving learning process. He reassures that AI enhances rather than replaces professional capabilities, emphasizing its role in improving quality assurance and treatment safety: “With AI, we have now shifted our focus in more QA of making things safer.”

The integration of AI into the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center's workflow exemplifies a proactive approach, combining cutting-edge technology with medical expertise. This collaboration not only boosts operational efficiency but also strengthens their standing as a leader in cancer treatment within the region.