A new artificial intelligence tool could help doctors determine which prostate cancer patients are most likely to benefit from targeted treatment that removes cancer while sparing healthy tissue, according to a UCLA-led study published Tuesday.
The study evaluated software called Unfold AI that uses MRI and biopsy data to create a detailed 3D map of prostate tumors. Researchers said they found that using AI to measure tumor volume — rather than relying solely on tumor grade or PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels — significantly improved predictions of treatment success.
“By using AI to measure the size of a man’s prostate tumor more precisely, we can better predict who is likely to be cured with focal therapies like partial gland cryoablation,” Dr. Wayne Brisbane, assistant professor of urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said in a statement.
Partial gland cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that freezes and destroys only cancerous areas of the prostate rather than removing or irradiating the entire gland. This approach minimizes damage to vital areas, reducing side effects and preserving quality of life for patients, according to the study.
Researchers said existing methods often underestimate tumor size and overlook smaller cancerous areas, increasing the risk of incomplete treatment and cancer recurrence.
“The study marks an important advance in integrating AI into prostate cancer treatment decision-making, offering the potential for more personalized prostate cancer care,” Brisbane said.
Although the findings are promising, researchers stress the need for larger, multi-center trials to validate the results.
The Unfold AI tool was developed by researchers at UCLA and Avenda Health.
The study was published in BJUI Compass, a peer-reviewed medical journal specializing in the field of urology. It can be found at pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11771490/.