Avenda Health, an artificial intelligence healthcare company, has announced that its AI software can identify the extent of prostate cancer more accurately than traditional methods employed by doctors. A recent study involving ten physicians assessing 50 prostate cancer cases showed that Avenda’s Unfold AI software achieved an impressive accuracy rate of 84.7%. In contrast, the doctors’ manual assessments varied, with accuracy rates ranging from 67.2% to 75.9%.
The collaborative study, conducted alongside UCLA Health and published in the Journal of Urology, revealed that AI significantly enhances cancer contouring accuracy. Predictions regarding tumor size were found to be 45 times more precise with AI assistance than without. Shyam Natarajan, an assistant adjunct professor of urology and lead author of the study, noted that AI not only improves accuracy but also enhances the consistency of diagnoses among physicians.
In traditional practices, doctors rely on MRI scans to determine tumor size, however, some tumors are not visible on MRIs, an area where AI proves beneficial. Dr. Wayne Brisbane, another UCLA professor, emphasized that AI extends beyond human detection capabilities, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatment strategies for patients. As AI continues to develop, it promises to tailor treatments to individual patient needs, thereby increasing the chances of successful cancer treatment.
Dr. Natarajan, the CEO of Avenda Health, expressed enthusiasm over the study’s recognition by the American Medical Association (AMA), highlighting the important role of innovation in advancing medical practice.
Currently, prostate cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 men in the United States, with around 299,010 new cases anticipated this year, of which 35,250 may result in fatalities, according to the American Cancer Society.
This advancement in AI technology holds great potential for transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering hope for more precise care tailored to individual patients and ultimately improving outcomes in the fight against prostate cancer. The collaboration between AI technology and healthcare professionals represents a remarkable step forward in enhancing cancer detection and treatment methodologies.