Interpretable Machine Learning and Biomarker Discovery for Cancer Risk Assessment

Authors

  • Sofia Russo Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
  • Sofia Grayson Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
  • Michael Peterson Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66238/fsrma63

Keywords:

Interpretable Machine Learning, Biomarker Discovery, Cancer Risk Assessment, Clinical Decision Support

Abstract

The intersection of artificial intelligence and oncology has ushered in a transformative era for predictive medicine, particularly in the domain of cancer risk assessment. Despite the high predictive accuracy of modern machine learning algorithms, their clinical adoption is frequently impeded by their opaque, black-box nature. This paper provides a comprehensive examination of interpretable machine learning methodologies applied to the discovery of novel biomarkers and the subsequent evaluation of oncological risk. By prioritizing models that offer both high fidelity and clinical transparency, researchers can bridge the gap between computational complexity and medical utility. We systematically explore the theoretical foundations of interpretability, tracing its evolution from simplistic linear approximations to advanced model-agnostic frameworks such as Shapley Additive Explanations and Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations. Furthermore, we discuss the methodological pipelines required to process multi-omics datasets, highlighting how transparent algorithms successfully identify latent biological features indicative of early-stage malignancy. The integration of interpretable systems not only facilitates robust biomarker identification but also ensures compliance with emerging regulatory standards for medical software. Through a detailed analysis of contemporary approaches, this study demonstrates that interpretability does not inherently compromise predictive power. Ultimately, the deployment of transparent machine learning frameworks provides clinicians with actionable, biologically plausible insights, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision, optimizing therapeutic interventions, and advancing the overarching goals of personalized medicine.

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Published

2026-04-05