A new study is underway to assess whether artificial intelligence can enhance treatment decision-making for prostate cancer. Titled the Vanguard Path study, it is being conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and is supported by a £1.9 million grant from Prostate Cancer UK.
Despite advancements in the safety and accuracy of prostate cancer diagnoses, determining the disease”s aggressiveness on a patient-by-patient basis remains a challenge. This uncertainty can lead to unnecessary surgeries or radiotherapy when some patients might only require monitoring.
The Vanguard Path study will first evaluate the ArteraAI Prostate Biopsy Assay on biopsy samples from men who have already undergone diagnosis and treatment, with at least five years of follow-up data available. The research aims to compare the AI”s predictions with actual patient outcomes.
Following this initial phase, the AI tool will be tested in clinical settings, focusing on biopsies from newly diagnosed patients, particularly in cases where medical professionals face difficulties in determining optimal treatment paths. The study involves three NHS sites: North Bristol NHS Trust, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Lead researcher Professor Clare Verrill stated that the trial “will pave the way for advanced AI technologies” to be implemented within the NHS framework. She emphasized that this development will provide men with more detailed and precise information, enabling better-informed decisions alongside their clinical teams regarding the need for treatment or the possibility of safe monitoring.
Dr. Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, remarked on the transformative potential of AI in prostate cancer care, ensuring that each patient receives the most accurate and tailored treatment plan for his specific condition. He highlighted the collaboration with Artera over the years, expressing confidence in the AI tool”s capabilities. However, he noted that exciting technologies must undergo thorough evaluation to make a meaningful impact.
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among males, with approximately one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime, according to Prostate Cancer UK. Recent data indicated an increase in diagnoses, with over 58,000 cases reported in England in 2024, up from the previous year.
Artera”s chief executive and co-founder, Andre Esteva, commented on the development of the ArteraAI Prostate Biopsy Assay, stating their commitment to enhancing the lives of prostate cancer patients through years of evidence gathering. He expressed excitement about collaborating with Professor Verrill”s team to maximize the test”s benefits within the NHS and hopes to see it used to personalize prostate cancer care across the UK.
This study announcement follows news that an NHS trial will utilize AI to interpret MRI scans of men suspected of having prostate cancer. Should the software identify a high-risk scan, it will prompt immediate review by radiologists, and patients will be scheduled for same-day biopsies, expediting the diagnostic process.
