Outpatient Transformation Project

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly powerful tool, aiding in accurate and efficient identification of various diseases. In the field of prostate cancer diagnosis Galan Ibex Solution stands out as a remarkable innovation, leveraging the power of AI and deep learning algorithms to assist pathologists.

Combining advanced image analysis techniques with cutting-edge machine learning models to enhance accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis.

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men worldwide. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and improving patient outcomes.

By employing a two-step process, it uses computer vision algorithms to analyse digitized histopathology images of prostate tissue samples. These algorithms can identify cancerous regions, classify different cell types, and detect abnormalities with remarkable precision. In the second step, deep learning models trained on vast datasets of annotated pathology images provide diagnostic insights to pathologists. These models enable the identification of subtle patterns and indicators that might be challenging to discern through conventional methods alone.

The AI can read multiple slides from numerous patients in minutes, the app then grades the samples using a traffic light system, which alerts a consultant to the most urgent cases. The AI system also shows the extent of the tumour, as well as whether it is likely to become more aggressive. Prostate biopsies are a painful procedure to go through, if the sample is not appropriately read, the outcome can be that either the cancer is missed, or the biopsy needs to be repeated.

• 13 % increased pick up rate for cancer.

• 9% increase in the pickup rate of perineural invasion compared to the same period in 2019 (pre AI).

• 99.5% Negative predictive rate

• 99.4% Positive predictive rate

Potential cost saving of £1,582 per biopsy by reducing the number of repeat biopsies carried out.

The SBRI team were instrumental in obtaining further funding for 6 Health Boards across Wales to undertake Scale and Spread activities. Over the next 12 months the Health Boards will use the solution to assist the Pathology teams to build up ‘real world evidence’ to feed into a technical appraisal to inform any procurement decision (full procurement/tender exercise will be undertaken) An appraisal is also being undertaken by colleagues in Health Technology Wales to consider fuller clinical effectiveness (specifically, how does it actually change patient management and outcomes) and cost-effectiveness. This will also feed in to learning lessons of the use of AI in Pathology services across Wales.

Consultant pathologist Dr Muhammad Aslam, told BBC Wales that :

"This technology is a game changer. "The Galen application is like another consultant doing all the work and bringing the results to me.

"We are the first team and the first health board to use this technology for clinical diagnosis in the UK. We are the pioneers."