A healthcare technology firm, Avenda Health, has recently shared results from a study indicating that its AI software can more accurately assess prostate cancer than traditional methods employed by doctors. The AI, named Unfold, demonstrated an impressive detection accuracy of 84.7%, while doctors analyzing the same cases displayed a range of efficacy between 67.2% and 75.9%.
Conducted in collaboration with UCLA Health and published in the Journal of Urology, the study involved ten physicians who evaluated 50 prostate cancer cases each. Notably, the findings revealed that AI assistance in cancer contouring improved predictions of tumor size by being 45 times more accurate and consistent compared to manual assessments.
Shyam Natarajan, a senior author of the study and an assistant adjunct professor of urology and bioengineering at UCLA, commented on the enhancements AI brings to physician work, noting that it not only boosts accuracy but also fosters greater consensus among doctors.
Dr. Wayne Brisbane, another expert involved in the study, highlighted the limitations of MRI scans in identifying certain tumors, often termed “MRI-invisible.” He stressed that AI can fill this gap, leading to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients.
The potential implications of these advancements are significant, especially considering the American Cancer Society’s statistics that indicate approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with an estimated 299,010 new cases expected in the US this year alone. This analysis may pave the way for tailored therapies that could improve outcomes for patients battling this disease.
Avenda Health’s CEO expressed optimism about the validation of AI innovations by medical studies and their recognition by the American Medical Association, reinforcing a commitment to enhancing healthcare technologies.
Overall, this development marks a promising leap forward in cancer treatment, potentially offering greater accuracy and better outcomes for thousands of patients. As AI continues to make strides in healthcare, it brings hope for more effective diagnosis and customized patient care.