Emerging Trends in AI and Radiomics for Bladder, Kidney, and Prostate Cancer: A Critical Review

Simple Summary In an age where technology is deeply intertwined with healthcare, this review focuses on the synergistic role of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics in the management of urological cancers, particularly bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. Our comprehensive review explores how AI’s rapid data-processing capabilities, combined with the intricate image analysis offered by radiomics, are reshaping cancer diagnosis and treatment. We delve into current research findings to illustrate how these innovative technologies are steering oncology toward more accurate, personalized care. This summary is crafted to be accessible, avoiding complex medical jargon and extensive academic references, aiming to highlight the essence and potential impact of these advancements. Our objective is to showcase how AI and radiomics are instrumental in early cancer detection, informed therapeutic decisions, and potentially improved patient outcomes. The research compiled in this paper not only charts a course for the future integration of these technologies in cancer care but also underscores the emerging trend towards patient-centric strategies in the medical community, offering renewed hope and direction in the fight against these cancers. Abstract This comprehensive review critically examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics in the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the landscape of cancer care, enhancing both precision and personalization in medical treatments. Our review provides an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in AI and radiomics, with a specific focus on their roles in urological oncology. We discuss how AI and radiomics have notably improved the accuracy of diagnosis and staging in bladder cancer, especially through advanced imaging techniques like multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and CT scans. These tools are pivotal in assessing muscle invasiveness and pathological grades, critical elements in formulating treatment plans. In the realm of kidney cancer, AI and radiomics aid in distinguishing between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes and grades. The integration of radiogenomics offers a comprehensive view of disease biology, leading to tailored therapeutic approaches. Prostate cancer diagnosis and management have also seen substantial benefits from these technologies. AI-enhanced MRI has significantly improved tumor detection and localization, thereby aiding in more effective treatment planning. The review also addresses the challenges in integrating AI and radiomics into clinical practice, such as the need for standardization, ensuring data quality, and overcoming the “black box” nature of AI. We emphasize the importance of multicentric collaborations and extensive studies to enhance the applicability and generalizability of these technologies in diverse clinical settings. In conclusion, AI and radiomics represent a major paradigm shift in oncology, offering more precise, personalized, and patient-centric approaches to cancer care. While their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and our understanding of cancer biology is profound, challenges in clinical integration and application persist. We advocate for continued research and development in AI and radiomics, underscoring the need to address existing limitations to fully leverage their capabilities in the field of oncology.