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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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Detection and Isolation of Cancer in Prostate Biopsies Using Stimulated Raman Histology and Artificial Intelligence
Published on: June 10, 2025
A retrospective study to reduce prostate biopsy cores by a real time interactive tool
Nicola Testoni1, Nicolò Speciale, Alessandro Bertaccini
1DEIS, Department of Electronics, Computer Sciences and Systems, University of Bologna, Italy. nicola.testoni@unibo.it
Summary
This study introduces an improved real-time computer-aided biopsy (rtCAB) tool to reduce prostate biopsy cores. The rtCAB system enhances transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging, potentially decreasing the number of cores needed without compromising diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate carcinoma (PCa) is a frequent neoplasm in Europe, with over 110,000 new cases annually.
- Current transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy protocols recommend 8-12 cores, increasing patient discomfort and adverse event risk.
- Reducing biopsy cores without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy is a clinical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of an enhanced real-time computer-aided biopsy (rtCAB) tool for reducing prostate biopsy cores.
- To assess the potential of rtCAB to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient experience during TRUS-guided biopsies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study utilized an improved rtCAB tool, which overlays false color images onto TRUS video streams to guide targeted sampling.
- A database of 81 patients (743 prostate biopsy cores) was established, including patient demographics, PSA levels, DRE findings, and TRUS data.
- Radio frequency (RF) signals and histological outcomes were collected for each core to train and validate the rtCAB system.
Main Results:
- The rtCAB system was optimized to minimize false positives while maintaining an acceptable rate of false negatives.
- The positive predictive value (PPV) increased from 25% (classical approach) to 40% with the rtCAB method.
- The overall sensitivity of the rtCAB method was 85%, indicating effective cancer detection.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary results demonstrate that the rtCAB tool provides real-time operator feedback during TRUS procedures.
- The achieved sensitivity and PPV suggest that reducing prostate biopsy cores by nearly 50% is feasible without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
- A prospective study is warranted to validate these retrospective findings.
