AI Detects Prostate Cancer with 17% Greater Accuracy Than Doctors, UCLA Study Shows

New AI Tool Enhances Cancer Detection and Treatment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to be more effective than doctors in detecting prostate cancer. A recent study from UCLA found that an AI tool identified prostate cancer with 84% accuracy, compared to 67% accuracy achieved by physicians.

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How the AI Tool Works

The AI software, known as Unfold AI and developed by Avenda Health, uses an advanced algorithm to analyze various types of clinical data and visualize the likelihood of cancer. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Study Details and Findings

In the UCLA study, a team of seven urologists and three radiologists examined 50 cases where tumors had been removed. The AI software was then used to re-analyze these cases. The study found that the “negative margin rate”—which measures the absence of cancer cells around removed tissue—was 45 times higher in AI-detected cases. This means there is a lower chance of cancer being left behind.

Dr. Ali Kasraeian, a urologist at Kasraeian Urology, uses Unfold AI to help decide whether patients should undergo focal therapy or more aggressive treatments like radical prostatectomy or radiation. He highlights that AI assists in creating a detailed 3D map of cancer, leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans.

Real-World Impact

Joshua Trachenberg, a UCLA neurobiology professor and prostate cancer patient, benefited from AI-guided treatment. After discovering a slow-growing tumor, he explored alternatives to full gland removal. The 3D map created by Unfold AI allowed for targeted treatment, avoiding radical prostatectomy and its associated side effects.

Benefits of AI in Prostate Cancer Treatment

AI tools like Unfold AI offer a promising future for prostate cancer treatment. They help in:

• More Accurate Diagnoses: AI improves detection rates and reduces the likelihood of cancer being missed.
• Targeted Treatments: Personalized treatment plans are possible, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
• Reduced Side Effects: Minimizing the use of full-gland removal helps avoid complications like incontinence and impotence.

Considerations and Limitations

While AI shows great promise, Dr. Harvey Castro, an expert on AI in healthcare, advises caution. He notes that the effectiveness of AI depends on the quality of the data it uses. AI should complement, not replace, human judgment. Privacy and data protection are also critical when handling sensitive patient information.

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AI technology like Unfold AI is advancing cancer detection and treatment, offering hope for more accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Patients are encouraged to explore all treatment options and discuss AI technology with their healthcare providers.

References:

• UCLA Study on AI and Prostate Cancer
• Avenda Health’s Unfold AI
• FDA Guidelines on AI Medical Tools