The NHS is initiating a groundbreaking trial aimed at providing same-day diagnoses for prostate cancer, utilizing artificial intelligence technology. This pilot program will analyze 10,000 MRI scans across up to 15 hospitals nationwide, with plans for a broader rollout pending successful outcomes.
The innovative AI system will quickly interpret MRI scans of men suspected of having prostate cancer, identifying potential lesions in just minutes. If the AI detects a scan that indicates a high risk of cancer, it will be flagged for immediate review by a radiologist, allowing the patient to receive a biopsy on the same day.
Specialists will evaluate the results, enabling patients to either receive a clean bill of health or a diagnosis within a few days, significantly reducing the prolonged waiting periods that often accompany cancer diagnostics. Current best practices suggest that patients should undergo MRI and biopsy within a week following an urgent referral from their general practitioner; however, actual wait times can exceed this target due to radiologist availability.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the importance of addressing the distress caused by lengthy waits for test results and treatment, stating, “Prostate cancer is a devastating disease impacting thousands of men every year… By harnessing the power of technology, we are revolutionizing our NHS and tackling this with AI able to deliver same-day prostate diagnoses, delivering better outcomes for patients and fast support for doctors.”
Professor Peter Johnson, the national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AI to expedite cancer diagnosis, noting, “We hope this trial of an AI-powered “one-day diagnostics” could be a game changer and help save men weeks of worry and uncertainty.” He highlighted that swift diagnosis is critical, as it facilitates timely treatment, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes for patients and their families.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer affecting males, with approximately one in eight men likely to develop the disease in their lifetime. In 2024, over 58,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England, marking an increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, in Wales, diagnoses slightly decreased from 2,551 in 2022 to 2,402 in 2023.
The AI tool, named Pi and developed by Lucida Medical, is being introduced in anticipation of the Government”s National Cancer Plan, which is set to be released later this year. Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, noted that advancements such as MRI scans and targeted biopsies have already enhanced the safety and accuracy of the diagnosis process. She added that the AI tool could further streamline the diagnosis journey, alleviating men from unnecessary anxiety and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
