Artificial intelligence in neuro-oncology: methodological bases, practical applications and ethical and regulatory...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming neuro-oncology by enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis prediction. AI-driven approaches-such as CNNs and deep learning-have improved the detection and classification of brain tumors through advanced imaging techniques and genomic analysis. Explainable AI methods mitigate the "black box" problem, promoting model transparency and clinical trust. Mechanistic models complement AI by integrating biological principles, enabling precise tumor growth predictions and treatment response assessments. AI applications also include the creation of digital twins for personalized therapy optimization, virtual clinical trials, and predictive modeling for estimation of tumor resection and pattern of recurrence. However, challenges such as data bias, ethical concerns, and regulatory compliance persist. The European Artificial Intelligence Act and the Health Data Space Regulation impose strict data protection and transparency requirements. This review explores AI's methodological foundations, clinical applications, and ethical challenges in neuro-oncology, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and regulatory adaptation.