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NHS Launches AI Prostate Cancer Pilot for One-Day Diagnosis

The trial uses Lucida Medical’s Pi to relieve radiologist bottlenecks by routing high‑risk MRI scans to immediate review.

Overview

  • NHS England has launched a funded trial of the Pi AI system across up to 15 hospitals to build an AI‑assisted one‑day diagnostics pathway for suspected prostate cancer.
  • A rapid diagnosis pilot at Leeds Teaching Hospitals will test completing MRI, priority review and, where indicated, biopsy in a single visit with around 100 men.
  • Across other sites, Pi will assist reporting on about 10,000 scans, with high‑risk findings sent for priority radiologist assessment and same‑day biopsy bookings.
  • NHS England cites research suggesting the tool can detect about 95% of cancers, with aims to increase the share of patients receiving an outcome within 28 days and to extend scanning to Community Diagnostic Centres.
  • The project is one of seven pilots backed by a £14 million innovation fund, responding to long waits and a 29% UK shortfall in clinical radiologists reported in 2024.