Avenda Health, an AI healthcare company, has reported that its software can more accurately detect the extent of prostate cancer compared to traditional diagnostic methods employed by physicians. In a recent study involving ten doctors who evaluated 50 different cases of prostate cancer each, the company’s Unfold AI software achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 84.7%. In contrast, the accuracy of the doctors ranged from 67.2% to 75.9%.
The study, conducted in collaboration with UCLA Health and published in the Journal of Urology, revealed that the use of AI significantly improved the precision of cancer size predictions. The AI-generated predictions were found to be 45 times more accurate and consistent than those made without AI support.
Shyam Natarajan, an assistant adjunct professor of urology and senior author of the study, emphasized the benefits of AI assistance, stating that it enhances both accuracy and consistency among doctors, leading to greater agreement in their diagnoses.
While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to determine tumor sizes, some tumors remain “MRI-invisible.” Dr. Wayne Brisbane, an assistant professor of urology at UCLA, noted that AI fills this gap, offering valuable support in cases where traditional imaging fails.
The implications of this technological advancement are promising for cancer treatment as it paves the way for more effective and personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Brisbane highlighted that AI has the potential to exceed human capabilities in certain diagnostic aspects.
Avenda Health’s CEO, Dr. Natarajan, expressed enthusiasm about the validation of their innovation through studies and recognition by the American Medical Association.
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with approximately 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime and 1 in 44 men succumbing to the disease. The American Cancer Society estimates 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year, with 35,250 deaths anticipated from the disease.
This development in prostate cancer detection highlights the potential of AI in transforming healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes, offering a hopeful perspective on the future of cancer treatment and diagnostics. The ongoing integration of such advanced technologies promises to foster a more refined approach to personalized healthcare, ultimately benefiting countless patients.