Quantum Computing for Healthcare: A Review
- Adnan Qayyum ,
- Raihan Ur Rasool ,
- Hafiz Farooq Ahmad ,
- Wajid Rafique ,
- Junaid Qadir ,
- Zahid Anwar
Adnan Qayyum
Information Technology University of the Punjab, Information Technology University of the Punjab, Information Technology University of the Punjab, Information Technology University of the Punjab
Corresponding Author:[email protected]
Author ProfileAbstract
Classical computing works by processing bits, or 0s and 1s representing
electrical signals of on and off. Quantum computing employs a very
different technique for information processing. It uses qubits, which
can exist as both a 1 and 0 at the same time, and uses the properties of
subatomic particles in quantum physics such as interference,
entanglement, and superposition to extend computational capabilities to
hitherto unprecedented levels. The efficacy of quantum computing for
important verticals such as healthcare where quantum computing can
enable important breakthroughs in the development of life-saving drugs,
performing quick DNA sequencing, detecting diseases in early stages, and
performing other compute-intensive healthcare related tasks is not yet
fully explored. Furthermore, implementations of quantum computing for
healthcare scenarios such as these have their own unique set of
requirements. Unfortunately, existing literature that address all of
these dimensions is largely unstructured. This research is intended to
be the first systematic analysis of the capabilities of quantum
computing in enhancing healthcare systems. This article is structured
with the help of taxonomies developed from existing literature to
provide a panoramic view of the background and enabling technologies,
applications, requirements, architectures, security and open issues, and
future research directions. We believe the paper will aid both new and
experienced researchers working in both quantum computing and the
healthcare domains in visualizing the diversity in current research, in
better understanding both pitfalls and opportunities, and coming up with
informed decisions when designing new architectures and applications for
quantum computing in healthcare.