Real-time AI-assisted ultrasound guides for targeted prostate biopsies
Official title: Real-time prostate cancer detection on B-mode conventional and micro-ultrasound for targeting clinically significant cancer during ultrasound-only biopsies
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11450325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-powered tool uses conventional and micro-ultrasound to help clinicians target suspicious prostate areas during ultrasound-only biopsies, aiming to improve cancer detection for men who need biopsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $660,346 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308887-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11450325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men undergoing prostate biopsy who are evaluated with ultrasound guidance and may benefit from improved lesion targeting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer is not ultrasound-detectable or who are not candidates for biopsy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops an AI-augmented method (ProCUS) that analyzes real-time ultrasound images from multiple vendors to identify cancerous lesions during biopsy. It uses Brightness-mode ultrasound data from over 5,000 exams and links findings to biopsy and whole-mount pathology to ensure accuracy across different machines. By making ultrasound-guided targeting more precise, the approach could reduce missed cancers when MRI targeting is unavailable or too costly. The study includes a diverse dataset and plans to integrate smoothly into current clinical workflows.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate biopsies with fewer missed cancers and faster diagnosis, especially where MRI-targeted techniques aren’t feasible.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests ultrasound can detect cancer and improve targeting, with ongoing development of AI-guided approaches; this study extends that work to multi-vendor ultrasound data.
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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Nanoparticle ultrasound to help find prostate cancer during biopsy
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-
Dual-modality ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging to improve prostate cancer detection
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-
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This study is testing a new way to see prostate tumors more clearly using a special combination of ultrasound and light technology, which could help doctors tell the difference between aggressive and less aggressive cancers, ultimately leading to better treatment for patients.
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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.
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A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
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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.