Lugano/Berlin (OTE) – The ELCAP guidance sets standards for
responsible AI use in oncology,
protecting patients and supporting clinicians
As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become increasingly
common in healthcare, ESMO has taken a decisive step to ensure their
safe and effective use in cancer care. ESMO has unveiled its Guidance
on the Use of Large Language Models in Clinical Practice (ELCAP), the
first structured framework for safely integrating large language
models (LLMs) into oncology practice in parallel with a session at
the ESMO Congress in Berlin. The paper is published in the Society’s
peer-reviewed journal Annals of Oncology .
„Innovation must serve oncologists and, ultimately, patients, not
confuse or mislead them,“ said Fabrice André, ESMO President. „With
ELCAP, we offer a practical guide for using AI responsibly in
oncology, one that protects data, ensures clinical oversight, and
supports informed decision-making.“
ELCAP divides AI applications into three categories, with
specific safety and governance recommendations:
– Patient-facing tools: Chatbots and virtual assistants providing
symptom information or treatment guidance. These must operate under
supervision and never replace professional medical advice.
– Clinician-facing tools: AI systems supporting decision-making,
documentation, translation. These require formal validation and clear
accountability.
– Background systems: AI integrated into hospital infrastructure,
e.g., electronic health records, for tasks like data extraction or
clinical trial matching. These demand institutional oversight and
continuous monitoring.
„The value of AI depends on who is using it,“ said Miriam
Koopman, ESMO Real World Data and Digital Health Task Force Chair.
„ELCAP sets expectations for each context, ensuring patients are
protected, clinicians are supported, and institutions are
accountable.“
„Trust in AI doesn’t come from technology alone, it comes from
shared standards,“ concluded Andrè. „ELCAP is our contribution to
making AI a safe and effective ally in oncology.“
With 45,000 oncology professionals in its global network, ESMO
can be looked up as the global reference for responsible AI adoption
in cancer care.
Article here: https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/%20S0923-
7534(25)04698-8/fulltext
Digital press kit: http://www.ots.at/pressemappe/CH81772/aom
