Artificial intelligence is set to redefine who receives abiraterone for prostate cancer, with a new tool that accurately predicts which men will benefit most from this drug that can halve the risk of death, thereby saving lives. This “gamechanger” treatment has already extended the lives of hundreds of thousands with advanced prostate cancer, yet its wider application for non-metastatic disease has been limited in some regions.
The innovative AI test, developed by a collaborative team from the US, UK, and Switzerland, utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze tumor images and identify subtle features invisible to the human eye. This allows for precise identification of individuals most likely to respond positively to abiraterone, paving the way for more targeted and efficient treatment strategies.
Unveiled at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting, this breakthrough is expected to significantly impact healthcare systems worldwide. Professor Nick James, co-leader of the research, emphasized the value of knowing who will respond best, especially given that abiraterone, while spectacular, does come with potential side effects such as high blood pressure, liver abnormalities, and a slight increase in the risk of diabetes and heart attacks.
The trial, involving over 1,000 men with high-risk, non-spreading prostate cancer, demonstrated the AI test’s remarkable accuracy. It identified 25% of men for whom abiraterone cut the risk of death after five years from 17% to 9%. For the remaining 75% with “biomarker-negative” tumors, the drug’s benefit was not statistically significant, meaning they could be spared unnecessary treatment and its associated side effects. This research provides a strong case for expanding access to abiraterone for eligible patients.