Terrence Tao does not understand cancer medicine
The author critiques mathematician Terrence Tao's skepticism regarding AI-derived cancer cures, arguing that medical practice often relies on empirical success rather than a full understanding of biological mechanisms. The piece emphasizes that patients prioritize effective outcomes over theoretical explanations.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between academic caution and the pragmatic, high-stakes reality of clinical oncology.
I understand that mathematicians are upset with how quickly artificial intelligence is solving some long-standing and inscrutable puzzles. I sympathize that perhaps the AI is just brute forcing the solution and not elucidating of fundamental principles of mathematics.
But don't try to use a cancer analogy if you don't understand the field.
This week Terrence Tao argued that patients would want the reassurance of knowing a human cancer expert understands an AI derived cancer cure before getting it. This betrays a deep ignorance about cancer medicine.
1. There are many commonly used cancer drugs where we do not fully understand the mechanism of action. If you think you know how Adriamycin works, I think you haven't read enough about it. We still debate how docetaxel works in prostate cancer. Is it microtubules that are trafficking AR receptor, or is it the cellular division?
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