Evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the Crossroads: Potentiating Productive vs. Declining Disruptive Cancer Research.

Artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing several tools and platforms such as artificial "general" intelligence (AGI) and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), has facilitated cancer research, enhancing productivity in terms of research publications and translational value for cancer patients. AGI tools, such as ChatGPT, assist preclinical and clinical scientists in identifying tumor heterogeneity, predicting therapy outcomes, and streamlining research publications. However, this perspective review also explores the potential of AI's influence on cancer research with regard to its impact on disruptive sciences and discoveries by preclinical and clinical scientists. The increasing reliance on AI tools may compromise biological intelligence, disrupting abstraction, creativity, and critical thinking. This could contribute to the declining trend of disruptive sciences, hindering landmark discoveries and innovations. This perspective review narrates the role of different forms of AI in the potentiation of productive cancer research and the potential disruption of disruptive sciences due to AI's influence.