‘Nothing left to chance’: How AI could ensure every man gets a safe and accurate diagnosis

Diagnosing prostate cancer is now safer and more accurate than ever before. Today, if a man has a high PSA level, he’ll be invited for an MRI scan to find out if prostate cancer might be the cause. This important step in the process saves men from unnecessary biopsies and reduces the chance of a missed diagnosis.

Or at least, that’s the way it should be. Because unfortunately, not every man is benefiting equally from this MRI revolution.

An MRI scan in one centre is not necessarily the same as an MRI in another. This can be down to the age and strength of the magnet in the scanner. But also the way the scanner’s set up and the software that’s used to process images. Even how recently a man has been to the toilet before his scan can have an effect.

All these factors need to be considered. And it’s vital that we do, because a good quality scan gives us the best possible chance of spotting prostate cancer.

Using AI to make sure MRI scans are consistently good quality

That’s why research led by Dr Tristan Barrett at the University of Cambridge is so important. He’s using AI to develop a tool that could ensure MRI scans for prostate cancer are consistently good quality – wherever you happen to be.

The first challenge is working out what good quality means, so we know how to improve the lower quality scans.

“Imagine you’d only ever been watching a 1980s analogue TV and never seen anything else,” explained Dr Barrett. “You’d think, OK this is good quality. But suddenly you see a modern HD TV with surround sound and you realise the TV you had was not that good. It can be better.

“So that’s the ultimate aim: to have a more objective answer to the question, ‘Is this image good quality or not?’”

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What does a good quality MRI scan look like?

Dr Barrett and his team are using machine learning to answer that question. The researchers have collected hundreds of MRI scans from 80 hospitals across the UK and they’re using them to train the AI tool to recognise what a ‘good’ scan looks like.

This could revolutionise prostate cancer diagnosis, ensuring every hospital is consistently producing the best possible images – and meaning less of a postcode lottery for men who don’t happen to live near the best-funded hospitals.

On top of this, the tool could also spot poor-quality images before the man leaves hospital. It could save him being called back for another appointment or even prevent a missed diagnosis.

“The AI tool could help us decide what to do next,” added Dr Barrett. “Should we run another scan there and then? Keep a close eye on the man with regular PSA blood tests? Or maybe go straight to biopsy?”

Fast, accurate scans are vital for prostate cancer screening

Nationwide MRI scans that are both fast and accurate will be vital as we begin our once-in-a-generation research trial, TRANSFORM.

TRANSFORM will compare multiple screening options, including MRI, to find the safest, most accurate and most cost-effective way to screen men for prostate cancer.

Research like Dr Barrett’s – which could make fast, good quality MRI scans available across the country – would help the NHS meet the increase in demand for scans. And enable a screening programme that could save thousands of lives.

Today your donation’s worth double. Could you help fund research, improve early diagnosis and save lives?

By continuing to fund cutting-edge research like this, we can make sure more men get a potentially lifechanging early diagnosis. This could prevent up to 40 per cent of prostate cancer deaths and save thousands of lives every year.

Right now, your support will make an even bigger impact for men who are facing prostate cancer – because today your donation’s worth double.

Donate today and your gift will be matched by The Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation*, helping us fund vital research to improve the way we diagnose the disease. Because it’s about time we stopped men dying too soon.

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*The Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation will match personal donations made to this campaign from 27 November to 31 December 2024, up to the value of £200,000.