IBM Watson partnering with contrast company on prostate AI
Aiming to develop and market AI algorithms for diagnosing prostate cancer on MRI scans, IBM Watson Health is working with Guerbet, a France-based maker of contrast agents used in medical imaging.
The agreement builds on a previous collaboration to work on AI software for diagnosing liver cancer.
“The main diagnostic challenge with prostate cancer lies in identifying cancers requiring rapid treatment and those requiring only active surveillance, while avoiding unnecessary biopsies,” David Gruen, MD, chief medical officer of imaging for IBM Watson Health, says in an announcement.
Gruen adds that achieving optimal patient outcomes depends on “the rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatments that AI technologies can potentially help provide.”
Guerbet executive François Nicolas says that, like the existing liver-cancer collaboration, the new project has the aim of delivering augmented intelligence to help radiologists and oncologists.
Nicolas says the move is consistent with Guerbet’s mission to develop “ambitious medical solutions to speed up diagnosis, improve the patient experience and reduce clinical risks and costs.”
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.