A healthcare technology company, Avenda Health, claims that its AI software can detect the extent of prostate cancer more accurately than traditional methods used by doctors. According to a recent study involving ten physicians who each evaluated 50 prostate cancer cases, Avenda’s Unfold AI software achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 84.7%. In contrast, the doctors’ accuracy ranged from 67.2% to 75.9%.
The study, conducted in collaboration with UCLA Health and featured in the Journal of Urology, highlighted that AI-assisted cancer contouring significantly enhances predictions regarding tumor size. Results showed that AI predictions are 45 times more accurate and consistent than traditional methods.
Shyam Natarajan, a senior author of the study and assistant adjunct professor of urology, surgery, and bioengineering at UCLA, stated that the integration of AI assistance not only improved accuracy but also led to greater consensus among physicians when making diagnoses.
Doctors frequently rely on MRIs to gauge tumor sizes; however, some tumors are “MRI-invisible.” Dr. Wayne Brisbane, an assistant professor of urology at UCLA, emphasized how AI steps in where MRIs fall short. He expressed optimism about the potential of AI in cancer care, suggesting that it could facilitate more personalized treatment options, tailored to individual patient needs, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.
Dr. Natarajan, the CEO of Avenda Health, expressed enthusiasm about the validation of this innovative approach through studies and recognition from the American Medical Association.
In the U.S., prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with approximately 1 in 8 men facing a diagnosis during their lifetimes and 1 in 44 succumbing to the disease. With projections indicating that there will be 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer in the country this year and 35,250 deaths attributable to the disease, advancements in AI technology may play a crucial role in improving diagnosis and treatment.
This promising development in AI applications suggests a future where patients could benefit from more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment options, marking a significant step forward in the fight against prostate cancer.