High-tech screening to improve diagnosis of prostate cancer

Artificial intelligence is being used to review MRI scans

Artificial intelligence is being used to examine prostate cancer scans
Author: Jason BeckPublished 14th Sep 2021
Last updated 14th Sep 2021

Hospitals in Hampshire are using artificial intelligence to detect prostate cancer.

The revolutionary computer screening is being used to re-examine MRI scans performed at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital over the last couple of years.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the disease kills more people in the UK each year than breast cancer.

56% of cases in England are detected late, when the disease is high-risk or advanced.

Prof Richard Hindley, consultant urologist and lead for innovation at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are delighted that HHFT is able to work with Lucida Medical on this collaborative study.

"It will gather real-world information on the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway across a range of NHS Hospitals.

"We are passionate about improving the quality of care that we offer our patients, and welcome initiatives like this that could help hospitals deliver more efficient and effective care and better patient outcomes."

Dr Aarti Shah, consultant radiologist at HHFT said: "Reviewing prostate MRI requires experience and expertise to ensure that the right patients have a biopsy as well as to help target biopsies to maximise the chances of finding significant cancers.

"AI has exciting potential to enhance the processes of screening and treating patients, and this study will provide strong evidence on its performance."

You can hear all the latest news on the hour, every hour.