The expectations for artificial intelligence (AI) technology have increased considerably in recent years, mainly due to the emergence of deep learning. At present, AI technology is being used for various purposes and has brought about change in society. In particular, the rapid development of generative AI technology, exemplified by ChatGPT, has amplified the societal impact of AI. The medical field is no exception, with a wide range of AI technologies being introduced for basic and applied research. Further, AI-equipped software as a medical device (AI-SaMD) is also being approved by regulatory bodies. Combined with the advent of big data, data-driven research utilizing AI is actively pursued. Nevertheless, while AI technology has great potential, it also presents many challenges that require careful consideration. In this review, we introduce the current status of AI-based cancer research, especially from the perspective of clinical application, and discuss the associated challenges and future directions, with the aim of helping to promote cancer research that utilizes effective AI technology.