NHS is to deploy five AI tools as a 'second pair of eyes' on prostate cancer scans for stretched radiologists

Nice has backed AI-Rad Companion Prostate MR, DeepHealth Prostate, ProstatID, Prostate Intelligence and QP-Prostate in draft guidance. Two further tools were rejected because more research is needed. Demand for prostate MRI has soared since pre-biopsy scans became routine, piling pressure on radiology teams already short of staff. The approved tools will be trialled for two years while evidence is gathered.

Nice says the software could mean fewer unnecessary biopsies and treatments for men.

Professor Peter Johnson: 'A radiologist will review every scan.' The AI will not replace them.

Johnson calls prostate cancer the most common cancer in England.