A healthcare technology firm, Avenda Health, has announced significant advancements in the detection of prostate cancer through its AI software, which reportedly outperforms traditional methods used by doctors. In a recent study involving ten physicians who evaluated 50 different prostate cancer cases, Avenda’s Unfold AI demonstrated an accuracy rate of 84.7% in detecting cancer. In contrast, the doctors’ manual assessments yielded accuracy rates ranging from 67.2% to 75.9%.
Conducted in partnership with UCLA Health and published in the Journal of Urology, the study highlighted that the incorporation of AI in cancer contouring led to predictions of cancer size that were 45 times more accurate and consistent compared to assessments made without AI assistance. Dr. Shyam Natarajan, an assistant adjunct professor at UCLA and the study’s senior author, noted that the use of AI not only enhanced the accuracy of diagnoses but also improved the consistency of doctors’ assessments. This means that professionals were more likely to reach the same conclusions when using AI support.
Traditionally, MRIs are utilized to determine the size of tumors, but some tumors remain “MRI-invisible,” indicating a limitation of this imaging method. Dr. Wayne Brisbane, also from UCLA, pointed out that AI steps in to address these gaps, highlighting its potential to provide comprehensive insights where standard imaging falls short.
Dr. Brisbane emphasized that the integration of AI in cancer treatment could revolutionize the approach to patient care, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs. He remarked that AI has the potential to augment human capabilities significantly.
The advancements made by Avenda Health have been recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA), boosting confidence in the role of AI in the healthcare landscape. Currently, prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men in the United States, with an estimated 299,010 new cases expected this year alone, alongside 35,250 projected fatalities from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.
This development in AI technology represents a hopeful future for prostate cancer detection and treatment, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for thousands of patients. As AI continues to evolve, it could become a crucial ally for healthcare providers in the fight against cancer.