In Good Shape: Using Machine Learning to Improve Cancer Therapy

Daniel Reker, Jee Won Yang, Natsuda Navamajiti, Ruonan Cao, Dong Soo Yun, Giovanni Traverso, Robert Langer
Koch Institute at MIT

This image juxtaposes a molecular dynamics simulation (left) and an electron microscopy image (right) of sorafenib. Sorafenib, like many other cancer drugs, can spontaneously form intricate nano-scale structures that change how the drug behaves.

The Langer Lab uses smart algorithms to compare simulations to reality and analyze or predict the assembly of these nanostructures under various conditions. Their findings allow them to design better versions of the drugs to improve patient outcomes.

Daniel Reker shares the story behind his image at the exhibit opening ceremony on March 20, 2019.