Overview

• FaceAge, an AI tool developed by Mass General Brigham, uses facial photographs to estimate biological age and predict survival outcomes, particularly in cancer patients.
• The algorithm demonstrated that cancer patients appear, on average, five years older biologically than their chronological age, with older biological age correlating to worse survival outcomes.
• In a study of 100 palliative care patients, FaceAge outperformed clinicians in predicting life expectancy, highlighting its potential as a clinical decision-making aid.
• Researchers are set to enroll 50 patients in a new pilot study, with plans to expand testing to other diseases and general health applications beyond oncology.
• Ongoing efforts focus on addressing demographic bias, ensuring data privacy, and preparing for FDA approval alongside ethical governance frameworks to guide its future use.