Ethical multimodal AI platform to improve prostate cancer detection with ultrasound
Official title: Ethical Multimodal fusion Artificial Intelligence platform (EMAP) to bridge the gap between imaging modalities: Application to prostate cancer diagnosis.
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11596787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly AI system uses ultrasound and MRI information to help doctors better find prostate cancer, aiming to improve accuracy and access.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | September 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,737,835 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2OD038017-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11596787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men at risk for or suspected of having prostate cancer, including diverse racial/ethnic groups and clinics with varying MRI availability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients in whom biopsy targets cannot be improved by imaging fusion or those who do not undergo MRI or ultrasound imaging.
What this research studies
This project develops an ethical AI tool that fuses ultrasound and MRI insights to guide prostate cancer targeting, with a focus on fairness, privacy, and real-world use. It aims to perform AI-driven detection enhancements at the time of imaging, even in clinics with limited MRI access. The approach will test how well the AI can improve cancer detection in diverse patient groups while respecting consent and data protection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the platform could lead to more accurate prostate cancer detection and fewer unnecessary biopsies, especially in settings with limited MRI access.
How similar studies have gone: Previous fusion approaches show improved detection when MRI is available, but this project explores a robust AI-driven fusion applicable even where MRI is limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rusu, Mirabela — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Rusu, Mirabela
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting PSMA for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
This project explores a new way to find and treat advanced prostate cancer by focusing on a specific protein called PSMA.
-
Using advanced digital imaging and AI to improve prostate cancer diagnosis
This study is working on using advanced computer technology to help doctors better understand prostate cancer by analyzing tissue samples, making it easier to spot tumors and explain the results clearly.
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Improving prostate cancer diagnosis using advanced ultrasound techniques
This study is testing a new type of ultrasound to help doctors find serious prostate cancer more accurately and affordably, so patients can get the right treatment without unnecessary procedures for less aggressive cases.
-
Investigating a new target for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer
This study is looking at how a specific protein called PSMA affects prostate cancer, especially when it becomes harder to treat after hormone therapy, and aims to create new personalized treatments and better ways to diagnose and track the disease for patients.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Effects of ADT on motivation and emotion in prostate cancer patients
This project looks at how androgen deprivation therapy may affect motivation and mood over time in men with prostate cancer.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.