An innovative clinical trial designed to improve prostate cancer treatment by using AI-driven techniques to enhance radiotherapy delivery is being carried out on Merseyside.
Developed at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC), the PIVOTAL study builds on previous research which demonstrated the benefit of adding a “boost” dose of radiotherapy to prostate cancer tumours.
The study showed the boost dose improved patient outcomes, and reduced relapse rates and secondary cancers without increasing side effects.
The new study aims to refine the precision of this boost treatment by using AI algorithms to standardize the identification of tumour areas in MRI scans.
This method addresses variability observed in how clinicians target tumour nodules.
Professor Isabel Syndikus, a CCC consultant oncologist and Chief Investigator in the project, said: “With 49 trial centres using varied MRI scanners, importing and analysing the imaging data in this research is a major challenge.
“But if we are successful, doing this will establish a robust and validated AI programme to assist clinicians in delivering prostate boost protocols with greater accuracy.”
The AI algorithm, trained on pathology specimens, is designed to improve the accuracy and consistency of this targeting, ultimately enhancing treatment effectiveness.
Running since 2018, the trial compares two treatment schedules, a shorter, four-week course versus the traditional eight-week course.
The AI tool, developed as part of the study, will be applied to MRI scans of participants, starting with patients treated at CCC and the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Dr. Alex Batty, a clinical fellow at CCC, is leading the integration of this AI algorithm into the study’s analysis.
He 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.”
This aspect could lead to a globally applicable AI system that supports clinicians in delivering prostate cancer treatments with greater precision.
Dr Gillian Heap, CCC’s Director of Research and Innovation Operations, said: “This collaboration bridges innovative technology with clinical practice and shows how important partnerships are in cancer research. If successful, this study will bring us closer to ensuring that every prostate cancer patient receives the best possible treatment for their disease.”
If the PIVOTAL boost trial confirms the benefits of this approach, it could revolutionize the standard of care in prostate cancer treatment, making it more efficient and effective.This project is part of a collaboration between, the Royal Marsden, and the Institute of Cancer Research, under the Biomedical Research Centre initiative.
If successful, the PIVOTAL boost trial could mark a significant advancement in the use of AI to support clinical decisions and improve cancer outcomes.
Featured image (c) Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
