
Lucida Medical Gets CE Mark for Prostate MRI CAD Technology in Europe Using AI; Data Shows Impressive Ability to Improve Sensitivity and Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies
Lucida Medical, a pioneering Cambridge-based startup focused on cancer diagnosis, has achieved a Class IIb CE certification for its new AI-driven prostate cancer detection software, Prostate Intelligence™ (Pi™). The new software which was developed in collaboration with leading clinicians at UK NHS hospitals seeks to improve prostate cancer diagnosis across the UK and Europe.
The new software aims to address the current shortage of radiologists and provided computer aided assistance to improve sensitivity and specificity of MRI diagnosis of prostate cancer. The U.K. is grappling with a significant shortage of radiologists, a long-standing issue that has intensified in recent years. Europe maintains an average of 13 radiologists per 100,000 people, while the U.K. has only 8.5 radiologists per 100,000. Given an aging population rate these numbers are seen as insufficient to meet the growing future demand.
Currently, 12% of significant prostate cancers can be missed by radiologists using MRI, and 55% of individuals without substantial cancer are referred for costly and painful biopsies. Data from September 2023 indicated that Pi™ could reduce undetected cancers to 6% and diminish unnecessary biopsies to 43%.
Pi™ employs AI to analyze MRI scans and integrates seamlessly into radiologists’ workflows, addressing issues of variability, diagnostic accuracy, and radiologists’ time constraints. By generating 3D segmentations, volumes, and risk scores automatically, Pi™ enhances efficiency and supports informed decisions regarding biopsies and treatments.
Dr. Antony Rix, CEO and Co-Founder of Lucida Medical, emphasizes that this CE certification establishes Pi™ as the leading platform for supporting prostate cancer diagnosis through MRI. Its integration with radiologists’ workflows and exceptional real-world validation accuracy positions Pi™ to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and alleviate healthcare system waiting lists.
Lucida Medical will showcase Pi™ at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2023 Annual Meeting in November. The company aims to make Pi™ available for commercial use in the UK and EU by Q1 2024.