Impact of artificial intelligence in transforming the doctor–cancer patient relationship

•AI in oncology: enhances diagnosis, personalizes treatment, improves outcomes.•AI challenges: balances technology with empathy, trust, and patient care ethics.•AI and decision making: influences choices, empowers patients, respects autonomy.•Patient-centered AI: prioritizes patient care, supports doctor–patient relationship. BackgroundThe integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in oncology is a developing field, impacting the doctor-patient relationship and the efficacy of cancer care. While AI's role in improving clinical efficiency and personalized care through the analysis of vast medical datasets is acknowledged, its full scope and impact are not yet completely understood.Materials and methodsThis article synthesizes empirical studies and expert opinions to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI's current role in oncology. The methodology focuses on exploring the balance between technological advancements and the essential elements of patient-centered care.ResultsThe paper hypothesizes that AI can enhance the quality of cancer care, but notes challenges such as potential depersonalization, data privacy issues, and ethical dilemmas. It also highlights AI's potential in facilitating Shared Decision-Making, empowering patients and assisting oncologists in making more informed decisions. However, the risk of AI-driven paternalism and the need for balancing AI recommendations with patient autonomy are discussed.ConclusionsAI holds significant potential to transform cancer care. The paper concludes that for AI to be beneficial, its integration should be collaborative and patient-centered, ensuring that technological advancements support and enhance the quality of the doctor-patient relationship, rather than undermining it. The article emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, patient education about AI, and the need for oncologists to effectively understand and convey AI-generated data. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in oncology is a developing field, impacting the doctor-patient relationship and the efficacy of cancer care. While AI's role in improving clinical efficiency and personalized care through the analysis of vast medical datasets is acknowledged, its full scope and impact are not yet completely understood. This article synthesizes empirical studies and expert opinions to offer a comprehensive understanding of AI's current role in oncology. The methodology focuses on exploring the balance between technological advancements and the essential elements of patient-centered care. The paper hypothesizes that AI can enhance the quality of cancer care, but notes challenges such as potential depersonalization, data privacy issues, and ethical dilemmas. It also highlights AI's potential in facilitating Shared Decision-Making, empowering patients and assisting oncologists in making more informed decisions. However, the risk of AI-driven paternalism and the need for balancing AI recommendations with patient autonomy are discussed. AI holds significant potential to transform cancer care. The paper concludes that for AI to be beneficial, its integration should be collaborative and patient-centered, ensuring that technological advancements support and enhance the quality of the doctor-patient relationship, rather than undermining it. The article emphasizes the importance of transparent communication, patient education about AI, and the need for oncologists to effectively understand and convey AI-generated data.