UTS researchers develop new AI tool to better predict stroke risk

The team used a type of AI known as a transformer, which is the technology behind large language models such as ChatGPT, to train the model on thousands of genetic variations and identify links to ischaemic stroke.

Distinguished Professor Jie Lu, Director of the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute and Australian Laureate Fellow in the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT, said the research highlights how AI can be used to develop personalised healthcare.

“AI can be used to find associations between human genes and disease, and build personalised risk assessments, to help prevent a potentially life-changing or fatal event,” said Professor Lu, who is also the Australian Industry Laureate Fellow in AI-for-Women’s Health.

“Genetics are only one part of stroke risk. The ability to combine a genetic score with clinical and lifestyle information, including established risk factors such as blood pressure, age, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes and cholesterol, could enhance monitoring and prevention.

“We are now working on a multimodal AI tool that can combine a genetic risk assessment with other modes of data including health and lifestyle surveys, scans and imaging, to better assess risk in stroke and other diseases such as endometriosis.”

Corresponding author, Dr Kairui Guo has been working with the stroke unit at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney on genomic data analysis, as well as AI applications for acute stroke management, with support from neurologist and co-author Associate Professor and Senior Staff Specialist Dennis Cordato, who has provided clinical insights.

“When someone has a stroke, particularly at a young age, they often want to know whether other family members are also at risk. These new AI tools will provide the ability to better help families understand that risk,” said Dr Guo.

“We currently have a proposal for a preventative clinical trial. The aim is to recruit the first cohort of patients, sequence their genome, and analyse stroke risk. We are also interested sex differences in stroke risk between men and women.

“Traditionally, in thinking about stroke risk, genetics hasn’t been a main consideration, however this study highlights the significant impact of genetic factors. Without AI, it would be impossible to process that much data at an individual level to provide a personalised assessment.”