Men could be given a quick all-clear or cancer diagnosis within 24 hours under a one-day scheme that uses AI to interpret MRI scans within seconds, with high-risk cases being sent to review
A “game-changing” prostate cancer diagnosis that can be completed within a day on the NHS will be offered to men suspected of having the disease.
The one-day diagnosis service is said to use AI that will interpret MRI scans within seconds so those at a high risk of having the disease are then sent to a radiologist for a priority review. The patient will then have a biopsy of the possible cancer on the spot.
Results would then be reviewed by a team of specialists, which could save men from weeks or even months of waiting on results. Under the trials, patients will be able to get the all-clear on the same day or even a diagnosis as soon as the next day.
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The trials could potentially lead to faster diagnosis to ensure men with suspected cancer from waiting long spells to learn whether they have the disease or not.
Every year around 55,300 prostate cancer cases are diagnosed each year, according to Cancer Research. It added 12,200 deaths are recorded from the disease each year.
Britain’s leading cancer doctor said the fast diagnosis trial will go ahead at Leeds Teaching Hospitals trust, and said it could be a “game changer.”
Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national clinical director for cancer, told The Telegraph: “We’re really excited by the potential of artificial intelligence to speed up cancer diagnosis, and 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.
“As with all cancers, speed is crucial – the quicker the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin and help give the best chance of treatment being successful for patients and their families.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Prostate cancer is a devastating disease impacting thousands of men every year – and what makes this already incredibly challenging situation worse for these men are long waits for test results, diagnosis and treatment – it’s needlessly distressing for them and their families.
“By harnessing the power of technology we are revolutionising our NHS and tackling this, with AI able to deliver same-day prostate diagnoses – delivering better outcomes for patients and fast support for doctors.”
The technology will also be used on 10,000 scans at some 15 hospitals in Yorkshire, Manchester, the South West and South East of England.