Study Shows AI Outperforms Conventional Methods for Detecting Prostate Cancer

A study in BJUI Compass confirms the potential of Avenda Health’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, Unfold AI.

In conjunction with UCLA, the study used Unfold AI’s technology to map 3D cancer probability and estimate extracapsular extension (ECE) risk, comparing it to conventional methodologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PSMA PET/computed tomography imaging, and nomograms. The results indicated that Unfold AI accurately predicted ECE risk and outperformed conventional methodologies, helping surgeons more accurately predict extraprostatic disease extensions.

The study retrospectively analyzed data from 147 patients who received MRI-targeted biopsy followed by radical prostatectomy, finding Unfold AI had significantly higher predictors for patient-level ECE prediction than all other standard of care methods evaluated. Unfold AI also demonstrated a substantial 40%-60% reduction in false negatives compared to MRI.

“By providing a more precise assessment of extracapsular extension, our AI tool empowers physicians to make better-informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and setting a new benchmark for diagnostic accuracy,” Avenda CEO Shyam Natarajan said. “This advancement not only enhances the precision of cancer detection but also represents a milestone in our commitment to personalized medicine and better patient care.”

---

READ MORE: Study: Avenda Health’s Unfold AI Can Better Predict Focal Therapy Success

---

 
ECE, the spread of cancer beyond the prostate gland into the surrounding soft tissue, can lead to a higher risk of positive surgical margins, which in turn can increase the likelihood of recurrence or metastatic disease. ECE’s presence is critical in determining treatment options and assessing the risk to quality of life among prostate cancer patients, making its accurate identification crucial for reducing cancer recurrence. 
 
This study builds on prior research published in The Journal of Urology, which demonstrated Unfold AI’s ability to enhance physicians’ accuracy in identifying the extent of prostate cancer with 84% accuracy. In addition to these milestones, Unfold AI has been included in the American Medical Association’s 2024 Current Procedural Terminology code set as a Category III code. This new classification allows Unfold AI to be billable by insurance, improving access to personalized prostate cancer care. 
 
Avenda Health’s software maps a patient’s cancer in 3D, giving physicians precise information and the confidence to make care decisions. Dedicated to bringing this cutting-edge technology to all practices and physicians treating prostate cancer patients, Avenda Health aims to improve outcomes, preserve quality of life, and create a new standard of cancer care.