AI and Precision Oncology: A Swiss Bet on the Future of Cancer Care

Leon Wirz
Sep 22
4 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Based on Cancer Cell, September 2025 & Swiss initiatives in precision medicine

Introduction

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death worldwide, with nearly 20 million new cases each year (WHO, 2024). In Switzerland, around 45,000 people are diagnosed annually, and treatment costs exceed CHF 5 billion per year, accounting for roughly 7% of total healthcare spending (Swiss Cancer League, 2023).

Despite major advances in therapy, patient outcomes remain highly variable because tumors differ greatly at the molecular level. A review published in Cancer Cell in September 2025 (Yates et al.) summarizes how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to more precise cancer treatment. At the same time, Switzerland is moving forward with a national initiative — NAIPO — supported by the Lausanne-based company SOPHiA GENETICS, to create a secure infrastructure for AI-driven precision oncology.

The Core Discovery

The review highlights that AI can combine large and diverse datasets; genetic sequencing, pathology images, radiology scans, and clinical records to uncover tumor characteristics not visible with traditional methods. This integration allows for:

More accurate cancer classification.
Improved prediction of therapy response.
Faster discovery of new biomarkers.

In Switzerland, such approaches could be facilitated by NAIPO, where hospitals and research institutions share data within a secure national ecosystem, with SOPHiA GENETICS providing analytical infrastructure.

How the Study Was Conducted

The Cancer Cell publication is a review article. It does not present new trial data but synthesizes findings from a wide range of studies:

AI-based models trained on thousands of patient datasets to predict immunotherapy response.
Machine learning approaches classifying cancer subtypes beyond conventional histology.
Early evidence of AI systems assisting in biomarker discovery for targeted therapies.

The article outlines how these tools are beginning to move from research into clinical settings.

Key Findings

Tumor classification: AI can detect cancer subgroups with distinct biology and therapy pathways.
Therapy guidance: Algorithms may help estimate which treatment option is most likely to benefit an individual patient.
Biomarker identification: AI accelerates the search for molecular markers that guide therapy selection.
Real-world data use: AI can analyze hospital records and registries to complement trial findings.

Limitations of the Study

The publication is a review and does not provide new prospective clinical trial evidence.
Many AI models still lack validation in controlled, prospective studies.
Data quality and bias remain major challenges; models trained on specific populations may not be generalizable.
Regulatory frameworks for AI-assisted medicine are not yet fully established.

Relevance for Switzerland

Healthcare system: Cancer already costs Switzerland over CHF 5 billion annually. Precision oncology could help reduce waste from ineffective treatments, but infrastructure and training will require significant investment.
Patients: Swiss patients face long delays in accessing new medicines — on average 301 days after EMA approval, compared to under 150 days in Germany. By generating local data, NAIPO and AI platforms could accelerate adoption and shorten delays.
Insurers and policy makers: Innovative oncology drugs often cost CHF 100,000–200,000 per patient annually. With ~45,000 new cases each year, broad use without precision targeting could strain the insurance system. AI may help allocate therapies more efficiently but also raises ethical questions about who gains access.
Research and industry: With global players like Roche and Novartis and innovators like SOPHiA GENETICS, Switzerland is strategically positioned to be a leader in AI-powered oncology.

Potential Impacts of a Successful Therapy

Patients: More accurate treatment allocation could improve survival and quality of life.
Healthcare system: Avoiding ineffective therapies could optimize spending and resource use.
Economy and research: Strengthening Switzerland’s role as a hub for clinical innovation and data-driven medicine.

Risks

Economic strain: Even with better targeting, the high cost of therapies could burden insurers and patients.
Inequity of access: Differences between large university hospitals and smaller regional clinics could widen care disparities.
Over-reliance on algorithms: Without clinical validation, AI predictions could be misleading.
Data privacy: Protecting sensitive genetic data remains a key concern for public trust.

Overall Assessment

AI in precision oncology offers promising opportunities to refine cancer care, but evidence remains at an early stage. The Cancer Cell review highlights scientific potential, while Switzerland’s NAIPO initiative represents a concrete step toward implementation.

Whether this leads to tangible benefits for patients and the healthcare system will depend on clinical validation, transparent evaluation, equitable access, and sustainable financing.

What Comes Next

Clinical trials in Switzerland will need to prove the added value of AI-based recommendations.
NAIPO’s infrastructure is expected to expand, linking hospitals and research centers nationwide.
Reimbursement models — such as outcome-based payments — will likely be debated to manage costs of therapies exceeding CHF 100,000 annually.
Public communication will be crucial to maintain trust in the use of patient data and AI-assisted decision making.

References

Yates, L. R., et al. New horizons at the interface of artificial intelligence and translational oncology. Cancer Cell, September 2025. Link
SOPHiA GENETICS. SOPHiA GENETICS joins Swiss national flagship initiative for precision oncology (NAIPO). Press release, September 2025. Link
World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer fact sheet, 2024. Link
Swiss Cancer League. Zahlen & Fakten – Krebs in der Schweiz 2023. Link
Interpharma. Health Panorama 2024: Healthcare costs and access to innovation in Switzerland. Link