Vivian Salama, MD/PhD, MSc

Research Assistant Professor

Organization:

West Virginia University WVU Cancer Institute

Department:

Department of Medical Oncology

Classification:

Faculty

"Research in Dr. Vivian Salama’s research focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to improve risk stratification and treatment optimization for cancer-related toxicities, including pain, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and sexual dysfunction. Her lab applies advanced clinical informatics and AI methodologies to enhance the quality, completeness, and interpretability of electronic health records-derived data, aiming to improve the accuracy, fairness, and generalizability of AI models in oncology. A key area of focus is the development and validation of patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. The lab uses these tools to systematically capture, monitor, and analyze cancer patients’ symptoms over time, generating real-world, patient-centered data that can be integrated into AI/ML models to inform more responsive and personalized care strategies.

The lab also builds predictive and decision-making models that incorporate multidimensional data including clinical, demographic, imaging, and genomic information, to enhance outcome prediction and guide precision interventions. These efforts aim to improve cancer patient quality of life, reduce treatment burden, and support more equitable, evidence-driven care. To support this work, the lab utilizes technologies such as Python, PyTorch, KRas, and a range of specialized platforms for clinical data analysis, image processing, and ML development. Dr. Salama’s interdisciplinary approach bridges oncology, data science, and digital health, positioning her lab at the forefront of AI-enabled, patient-centered cancer research."