A study aims to improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer by giving clinicians more information and confidence in how to conduct life-saving treatment through an AI programme.

The research builds on research from the Netherlands, conducted between 2005 and 2008, which demonstrated that adding a "boost" dose of radiotherapy to the tumour nodule within the prostate improved patient outcomes, including reduced relapse rates and fewer secondary cancers, without significantly increasing side effects. However, the study showed variability in how clinicians pinpointed tumour areas to target the boost dose.

To address this, researchers at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) plan to apply an algorithm to MRI scans from trial participants, starting with those treated at CCC and London's Royal Marsden Hospital, a partner in their Biomedical Research Centre collaboration.

Dr Alex Batty, a clinical fellow at Clatterbridge, said: ‘Our research focuses on using AI to standardise and refine how we deliver this boost dose of radiotherapy.

‘The outcome could improve clinicians' confidence in targeting specific areas of the prostate and ultimately make treatment more effective.'

He added: ‘AI tools like this could streamline workflows, save time, and improve patient outcomes.'