AI biomarker validates short-term ADT benefits in prostate cancer
Predictive AI biomarker for assessing ADT effectiveness shows short-term benefits in prostate cancer.
A recent publication in the NEJM Evidence unveils encouraging findings regarding the personalized application of short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men primarily diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This study, conducted by ArteraAI (CA, USA), a company specializing in multimodal AI-driven cancer tests, in collaboration with researchers from University Hospitals (UH) Seidman Cancer Center (OH, USA), validates the groundbreaking predictive AI biomarker for assessing the effectiveness of ADT in prostate cancer patients.
The first author of the study, Dr Daniel Spratt stated, “This is truly a milestone in the treatment for prostate cancer. With the first ever predictive biomarker of ADT benefit in prostate cancer, created with AI, we are able to further realize the ability to create a personalized approach for the treatment of cancer. It is an honor to lead this work in collaboration with NRG Oncology (PA, USA), Artera AI and dozens of co-investigators. We are fortunate to already be offering this test here at UH Seidman Cancer Center to our patients from Northeast Ohio, our nation and around the world.”
By utilizing innovative deep learning techniques, the research team incorporated histopathology image data from a substantial cohort of over 5000 patients involved in five separate Phase III randomized trials, which included extensive long-term monitoring. These trials encompassed participants from more than 100 centers located in the United States and Canada. Notably, the development of the predictive AI biomarker drew upon datasets that included approximately 20% African American patients, a significant improvement compared to prior US based clinical trials where the representation of African American men stood at just 10.8% among prostate cancer trial participants.
For individuals diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, the addition of ADT to radiotherapy is a potential option when improved patient outcomes are expected. Nonetheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that ADT is accompanied by adverse effects, including the loss of sexual function and potential harm to cardiac and brain health. Several studies indicate that a significant number of men may not require ADT as part of their treatment regimen, as radiotherapy alone can be effective. By leveraging the biomarker, the majority of intermediate-risk patients may have the opportunity to avoid the associated morbidity and financial burden associated with ADT.
Dr Gary Schwartz, Director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center said, “The Case Comprehensive Case Center (Case CCC) applauds the leadership provided by Dr Spratt in conducting this seminal study on using AI technology to predict which population of men with localized prostate cancer will most benefit from the addition of ADT therapy to radiotherapy. This discovery will become practice changing and it will greatly impact the way we approach the treatment of this disease. This work illustrates the leadership that members of the Case CCC provide in the treatment and advancement of cancer medicine in the United States. The fact that this study includes a high percentage of African Americans, a patient population at very high risk for prostate cancer, also indicates the impact these results will have on an under-represented minority population in the United States.”
