The NHS is trialling an AI-powered ‘one-day diagnostics’ service for prostate cancer that could transform diagnosis and save some patients up to a month of waiting.

The one stop shop pilot, will use artificial intelligence to interpret MRI scans for men with suspected prostate cancer, helping spot lesions in minutes.

The tool is currently being trialled at up for 15 NHS hospitals.

A pilot will take place at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust early next year of a new ‘rapid diagnosis’ pathway to offer all investigations within 1 day, with around 100 men expected to benefit.

If a scan is found the be high-risk, it will sent immediately to a radiologist for priority review and the patient will be booked in for a biopsy the same day.

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: “We’re really excited by the potential of artificial intelligence to speed up cancer diagnosis, and we hope this trial of an AI-powered ‘one-day diagnostics’ could be a game changer and help save men weeks of worry and uncertainty.

“As with all cancers, speed is crucial – the quicker the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin and help give the best chance of treatment being successful for patients and their families.

“Prostate cancer continues to have a devastating impact for tens of thousands of men and their loved ones every year in this country. We are determined to see more patients diagnosed or given the all-clear quicker, and combining the latest technology with this new testing pathway will give clinicians the tools they need to provide patients with peace of mind or pin down a cancer diagnosis as soon as possible”.

Dr Oliver Hulson, consultant radiologist at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and leading the trial in Leeds said: “As clinicians, we are always looking at ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer to ensure our patients get the expert care they need as quickly as possible.

“This latest innovation pilot aims to take that a step further. The AI assisted MRI screening introduces a rapid diagnostic approach, so that we can fast-track those patients that may need to receive further investigations through MRI scans and a biopsy, to have them all in 1 day at the Leeds Cancer Centre. We hope this can pave the way to mean faster treatment and better outcomes for our patients and their families”.