Advice

Summary

Summary

  • The technology described in this briefing is Paige Prostate. It is an artificial intelligence‑based imaging system designed to help identify and diagnose cancer in prostate biopsies.

  • The innovative aspects are the multiple instance learning algorithm which reports to improve accurate and timely prostate cancer detection.

  • The intended place in therapy would be in addition to standard care, supporting the detection of prostate cancer from biopsies. It can be used in laboratories that have partial or fully digital operations.

  • The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 5 published observational studies including a total of 3,444 biopsy slides reviewed in a pathology lab. They show that Paige Prostate may be an effective addition to standard care to increase sensitivity in detecting prostate cancer and may also help provide more efficient analysis to increase throughput and support high caseload demand in the field.

  • Key uncertainties around the evidence are that the available studies are mainly retrospective and only 2 reported on statistical significance of using Paige Prostate compared with standard care alone. None of the studies are UK based.

  • Experts were positive about the potential to improve both detection and efficiencies in the pathway but highlighted the current lack of prospective data showing the system benefit and cost savings in the UK. Experts highlighted the importance of training for pathologists, particularly in understanding the limitations of the technology.

  • The cost of Paige Prostate is based on a software as a service product on a subscription basis which would depend on the laboratory's volume of biopsies but would typically start at £1 per slide. An initial one‑off fee is needed for integrating into the laboratory information management system. This varies depending on the level and type of integration and typically starts at £15,000.

  • The resource impact may be greater than standard care, needing additional investment initially however further evidence is needed to quantify the real‑world cost savings and system impact of Paige Prostate.