Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is at the forefront of harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance prostate cancer diagnostics through a pilot programme involving an advanced tool known as Prostate Intelligence (Pi). This collaboration with Lucida Medical aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this AI and machine learning system in identifying prostate cancer lesions from MRI scans.
Prostate cancer patients often navigate a challenging diagnostic journey, navigating multiple tests and procedures for accurate diagnosis. The introduction of the Pi software is intended to facilitate a more efficient diagnostic process, allowing healthcare professionals to prioritise patients with an actual cancer diagnosis while potentially increasing the number of patients radiologists can assess each day. Furthermore, this innovative approach may expedite the timeline for scheduling necessary biopsies, a crucial step in confirming cancer diagnosis.
Consultant radiologist Dr Oliver Hulson explained the precise objectives of the initiative, stating, “Our goal is to determine if this AI tool can accurately identify prostate cancer without underestimating or overestimating the likelihood based on MRI scans.” Successful outcomes from this pilot could lead to a significant reduction in the waiting period for biopsies, which currently extends to two to three weeks, with aspirations to shorten it to less than one week. Dr Hulson elaborated on the potential benefits of a streamlined diagnostic approach, describing a scenario where patients could undergo an MRI scan in the morning, receive an AI-assisted review by a radiologist, and, if required, have their biopsy scheduled for that very afternoon. This model aims to compress what is typically a protracted testing process into a single day, addressing patient anxiety associated with prolonged waiting times and providing quicker results.
The current investigation will measure the efficacy of the Pi software by comparing its AI-generated assessments with actual clinical outcomes for 100 patients who have recently undergone the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway. The Pi software aids radiologists in pinpointing areas of concern within MRI scans and evaluates risk factors, such as prostate size, which are critical determinants in biopsy and treatment choices.
The introduction of Pi software at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust marks a significant advancement in the application of AI technologies to improve patient care in the field of oncology. As the pilot study progresses, its findings may provide insights into the future trajectory of AI automation within healthcare diagnostics.
Source: Noah Wire Services