Researchers at the University of Oxford are leading a pioneering study, known as the Vanguard Path study, to assess whether artificial intelligence (AI) can improve treatment decisions for prostate cancer. This initiative has received funding of £1.9 million from the charity Prostate Cancer UK.
Despite advancements in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, determining the aggressiveness of the disease in individual patients remains a challenge. This uncertainty can sometimes result in unnecessary surgeries or radiotherapy when patients might be better suited for monitoring. The Vanguard Path study aims to address this issue.
The initial phase of the research will involve testing a technology called the ArteraAI Prostate Biopsy Assay on biopsy samples from men who have already undergone treatment for prostate cancer and have a minimum of five years of follow-up data. The study will evaluate the accuracy of the AI”s predictions against the actual outcomes experienced by these patients.
Subsequently, the AI tool will be implemented in clinical settings, focusing on newly diagnosed patients where doctors find it difficult to determine the optimal treatment approach. The study will be conducted across three NHS sites: North Bristol NHS Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Professor Clare Verrill, the principal investigator of the project, remarked that this trial “will pave the way for advanced AI technologies” to be integrated into the NHS. She emphasized that the objective is to provide men with more detailed and precise information, empowering them to make better-informed decisions alongside their clinical teams about whether monitoring or treatment is needed.
Dr. Matthew Hobbs, the director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in prostate cancer care. He stated, “AI has the potential to massively improve prostate cancer care and make sure that every man has the most accurate and best treatment plan for his specific cancer.” He noted that the collaboration with Artera has been ongoing for several years, and he views their AI tool as one of the most promising innovations in this field.
Furthermore, Dr. Hobbs pointed out the importance of proper evaluation for exciting AI tools to make a tangible impact on patient care. He expressed enthusiasm for Professor Verrill”s project, which aims to test the AI technology in real-world scenarios, ultimately providing the evidence necessary for its broader implementation within the NHS.
Prostate cancer stands as the most prevalent cancer among men, with approximately one in eight men facing a diagnosis in their lifetime, according to statistics from Prostate Cancer UK. In 2024, about 58,218 men in England were diagnosed with prostate cancer, a notable increase from the previous year, based on data from the National Prostate Cancer Audit.
Andre Esteva, the chief executive and co-founder of Artera, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We developed the ArteraAI Prostate Biopsy Assay to help improve the lives of prostate cancer patients and have spent years gathering evidence about its potential impact.” He added that they look forward to working with Professor Verrill”s team to explore how this test can maximize benefits for men within the NHS, with hopes of personalizing prostate cancer care across the UK.
This study announcement follows news that another NHS trial will utilize AI to analyze MRI scans of men suspected of having prostate cancer. If the AI software identifies a high-risk scan, it will prioritize the case for radiologists, leading to expedited biopsies and faster diagnoses.
