2024-10-28 09:30:00
Quantum technologies are those that are based on the properties and characteristics that matter acquires on a microscopic scale and, although they already have applications in the field of health such as lasers or nuclear magnetic resonance, they are positioned as one of the emerging technologies that will revolutionize precision medicine of the future.
Cover of the Roche Institute Foundation’s Advance Report on Quantum Technologies. Photo provided
This is reflected in a novelty Advance report from the Roche Institute Foundation in which the potential of quantum technologies in the medical field is analyzed, the challenges to be overcome are highlighted and recommendations are offered in a field in the early stages of development.
Quantum particles, such as atoms, electrons or photons, are those found on a microscopic scale where phenomena occur that differ from how matter behaves on a macroscopic scale, that is, from what we can observe with the naked eye.
This will allow, in personalized precision medicine, to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnoses, as well as the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Furthermore, it will open up new possibilities for more precise and effective therapies, facilitate continuous and personalized health monitoring and enable the identification of molecular targets and the development of new drugs.
They will also optimize health data networks, improve gene therapy with more precise and safe modifications, and enable personalized medical treatments at the molecular level.
Quantum technologies that are making their way
Many of the devices currently used in clinical practice have quantum origins, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (for medical imaging) or lasers, which have diverse applications.
In recent years there have been significant advances that have allowed the development of new quantum technologies applicable in the healthcare field and which are:
Quantum sensors
Quantum sensors are extremely sensitive devices capable of detecting small changes in the environment, which go unnoticed by traditional sensors.
They will enable more precise detection of biomarkers and other molecular markers, facilitating the development of new diagnostic techniques.
Quantum computing
Quantum computing is characterized by much greater computational potential than classical computing. Processing large volumes of data at unprecedented speeds will fuel innovative drug design and optimize clinical trials.
Quantum cryptography
Cryptography is the coding or encrypting of information using complex mathematical algorithms and problems, so quantum cryptography will offer absolute security in data protection, which is critical in an increasingly digitalised healthcare environment.
Recommendations for challenges
Experts in the “Anticipating Report on Quantum Technologies” believe that these advances in the early stages of development face a number of challenges.
The main ones are technological challenges, challenges of implementation and translation into clinical care practice, and challenges related to training and education of healthcare professionals.
Given this scenario, the document of Roche Institute Foundation it is recommended:
- Promote by the Administration the development of a global strategy of Quantum Technologies, which establishes a common vision and short- and long-term lines of action for the integration of technologies into the healthcare system.
- Analyze the investment opportunities and promote the financing of startups and emerging companies that are working on the integration of quantum technologies in medicine, through incentives and financial support programs that encourage innovation and the acceleration of the development of these technologies.
- Investing in infrastructure and resources to develop and apply quantum technologies in the
healthcare sector, including advanced laboratories, improved hospital equipment and robust data systems. - Promote the development of pilot projects that test scalability in controlled environments, enabling the identification and resolution of problems before large-scale deployment, thus ensuring the feasibility and efficiency of quantum solutions in healthcare.
- Promote interdisciplinarity e collaboration between professionals specialized in different sectorssuch as quantum technologies, biology or medicine.
- Develop a regulatory framework which facilitates the research and use of quantum technologies in the healthcare sector, ensuring safety and ethics in their application.
- Increases attraction and loyalty talent specialized in health technologies, through contractual and collaboration models between the business and academic worlds, both public and private.
- Promote the education and training of health workers in quantum technologies.
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