A Landmark Study on Palliation of Bone Mets PainWhen a primary cancer such as cancer of the breast, prostate or lung spreads to the bone (bone mets), treatment strategies become complex. In today’s world of oncology, better systemic chemotherapies can add months and even years to a patient’s life; in addition, local cancer control of […] KEEP READING
What You Should Know About CartilageOne of the most fascinating components of the human body is cartilage, an incredibly versatile material. Trying to describe cartilage is like the six blind men who try to figure out what an elephant is: “The elephant is like a pillar,” said the man who touched his leg. “Oh no! […] KEEP READING
How Stress Makes Essential Tremor WorseEssential tremor (ET) is the most common form of uncontrollable rhythmic shaking, though it is sometimes misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. The involuntary trembling results from abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain (cerebellum, thalamus, and brain stem). It is estimated that 10 million Americans suffer from ET, though many […] KEEP READING
Advanced prostate cancer (PCa) threatens to shorten a man’s life. Advanced means PCa is no longer contained in the gland but is still within the prostate bed and groin lymph nodes. In such cases, prostatectomy is generally not done. The rationale is to avoid putting a patient through surgery with no hope of cure, yet […] CONTINUE
I’ve posted numerous blogs on the promising applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the medical world. Early research and development of Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) show results that offer accuracy rivaling that of humans, and speed/efficiency no human can begin to approach. This all sounds glorious! However, as AI tools have become […] CONTINUE
Starting over a decade ago, I collaborated on research into MRI imaging features that lend themselves to Artificial Intelligence training sets for the detection/diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). As an early AI contributor, I’m always happy to learn how other PCa physicians integrate AI into their practice. I was delighted when CancerNetwork (home of the […] CONTINUE
“Artificial intelligence systems can be trained to detect and grade cancer in prostate needle biopsy samples at a level comparable to experts.” So says a Urology Today report on the uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosing prostate cancer (PCa). An overview of progress in AI applications was presented by Dr. Peter Humphrey (Professor of […] CONTINUE
At the Sperling Prostate Center we strive to stay abreast of published studies in our field of prostate MRI. There are so many areas to stay on top of. To name just a few: Advances in MRI parameters like Diffusion Weighted Imaging or Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Comparing in-bore MRI guidance vs. fusion guidance for prostate […] CONTINUE
I am an enthusiastic supporter of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into prostate MRI and other clinical imaging modalities. However, where I see only gleaming promise, others see dark shadows. For instance, Liu, et al (2023) remark, “One of the primary worries by medical students is that AI will cause the roles of a radiologist to […] CONTINUE
It’s hard to imagine the imagination of science fiction writers. While many of their literary works are based in our current world, like Michael Crichton’s novel The Andromeda Strain, science fiction works are not bound by past, present or future. In fact, the majority envision scientific or technological advances that don’t yet exist. As a […] CONTINUE
With an ever-increasing array of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in radiology, it’s a boom time for turning MRI into a powerhouse. In particular, both machine learning (ML) and deep learning (a particular type of ML) enable MRI of the prostate to branch out in new radiological directions. Out with the old, in with the new. […] CONTINUE
No one wants to look like a fool at a social gathering by showing up with the wrong outfit. You wouldn’t wear a tux to a backyard BBQ, or Bermuda shorts and a pineapple shirt to a black-tie benefit. As you stand in front of your closet, foreknowledge about the nature of the event will […] CONTINUE
What’s the best way to determine if a high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patient is likely to have metastasis? Researchers have been busy analyzing genetic variants or other biomarkers for their prognostic value. Since no one factor has emerged as a top predictor, most doctors have relied on up-to date guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer […] CONTINUE
