Artificial intelligence programmes are to be deployed across the NHS in England to assist doctors in identifying prostate cancer on MRI scans.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), the software will function as a "second pair of eyes" for clinical staff.

In fresh draft guidance, the health service spending watchdog recommended five specific tools, which will be trialled across the NHS for two years to collect further evidence regarding how they work.

These systems aim to support radiologists by highlighting areas on prostate scans where cancer may be present.

Nice noted that demand for prostate MRIs has risen, driven by the routine use of pre-biopsy scans to confirm or rule out the disease.

This increase has added strain to radiology teams already stretched by workforce pressures.

Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director for HealthTech at Nice, said: “These AI technologies have the potential to act like a second pair of eyes, helping radiologists review prostate…