Brief
NHS to trial AI tools that act as a second pair of eyes on prostate MRI scans
Five AI tools will be tested for two years to support radiologists in interpreting prostate MRI scans, according to NICE draft guidance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending the trial of five artificial‑intelligence tools across the NHS to assist radiologists with prostate‑cancer MRI scans. The two‑year trial aims to gather evidence on how the software can highlight suspicious areas and help prioritise urgent cases.
What happened
The guidance, published on 23 October 2026, notes a rise in demand for prostate MRI scans as pre‑biopsy imaging becomes routine. Around 68,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year, putting pressure on radiology departments already facing workforce shortages. The AI tools will be deployed in selected NHS trusts, with radiologists reviewing both the scan and the AI‑generated highlights before any clinical decision.
What the reports add
The Independent reports that NICE describes the software as a “second pair of eyes” for clinical staff. It also states that an independent NICE committee believes the tools could improve consistency and accuracy of MRI interpretation, though more evidence is needed for routine practice.
What was said
Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director for HealthTech at NICE, told the outlet: “These AI technologies have the potential to act like a second pair of eyes, helping radiologists review prostate MRI scans. They have the potential to make MRI reporting more accurate and could help identify people whose scans need priority review.”
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “Waiting to find out if you might have cancer is stressful for patients and their families, so anything that helps us give men clear answers sooner is very welcome.” Dr Adrian Hayter, GP and chief medical officer at NICE, added that the tools would support, not replace, radiologists.
How it came about
Increasing use of pre‑biopsy MRI scans has driven demand, prompting NICE to recommend AI assistance as a way to manage workload and maintain diagnostic quality. The trial follows earlier NHS AI pilots in lung‑cancer imaging, which demonstrated faster diagnosis and informed the current guidance.
Key facts
- NICE recommended five AI tools for a two‑year NHS trial on prostate MRI scans. (independent.co.uk)
- Around 68,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK each year. (independent.co.uk)
- Dr Anastasia Chalkidou said the AI acts as a "second pair of eyes" for radiologists. (independent.co.uk)
- Professor Peter Johnson highlighted the stress of waiting for cancer results and welcomed faster diagnostics. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “AI to give doctors ‘second pair of eyes’ on prostate cancer MRI scans”
