Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to help detect prostate cancer on multiparametric (mp) MRI

Status:

In progress

Technology type:

Diagnostic

Decision:

Selected

Reason for decision:

Anticipate the topic will be of importance to patients, carers, professionals, commissioners and the health of the public to ensure clinical benefit is realised, inequalities in use addressed, and help them make the best use of NHS resources

Description:

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in England. Every year in England, over 56,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 10,000 die from the disease. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer can lead to better outcomes. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is the first-line investigation for people with suspected clinically localised prostate cancer. mpMRI is effective for detecting prostate cancer, but reading and reporting scans is time-consuming, and accuracy can vary depending on radiologist expertise. Inaccurate readings can lead to unnecessary repeat scans or biopsies and delayed diagnosis, increasing pressure on diagnostic and oncology services. Radiology resource is currently under pressure due to increasing demand and workforce shortages leading to delays in treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies could be used to help healthcare professionals read and report prostate mpMRI scans, potentially improving consistency, timeliness, and accuracy.

Provisional Schedule

Scoping workshop:

16 March 2026

Scope published:

30 March 2026

Project Team

Project lead

Catherine Pank

Email enquiries

If you have any queries please email HealthTech2@nice.org.uk

External Assessment Group:

Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and Centre for Health Economics, University of York

Timeline

Key events during the development of the guidance:

For further information on our processes and methods, please see our HealthTech programme manual.