University of Texas Health Archives

AI in Healthcare: The Hype, The Reality, and The Promise

Posted by A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD | Aug 2024

A. Karim Kader, MD, PhD, FRCSC, explores the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Dr. Kader begins by analyzing AI’s role in transforming current medical practice.
Dr. Kader acknowledges AI’s benefits, including its potential to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. When acting as a “scribe,” AI can be invaluable in creating grant proposals, patient education materials, and the writing of operative notes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kader envisions a future where AI is seamlessly integrated into routine clinical practice, augmenting the capabilities of healthcare professionals and enhancing patient care. He calls for continued investment in AI research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of robust frameworks for AI implementation and governance.

Pew Pew! Laser Applications for Prostate Ablation

Posted by Steven Canfield, MD | Aug 2024

Steven Canfield, MD, examines the innovative use of laser technology for prostate ablation in the management of prostate cancer. Dr. Canfield emphasizes the procedure’s precision, safety, and efficacy, positioning it as a significant advancement in prostate cancer treatment.

Dr. Canfield reviews the mechanisms of laser ablation under real-time imaging guidance, often using ultrasound or MRI. He asserts that this approach allows for the precise targeting of cancerous lesions, reducing the risk of damage to critical anatomical structures such as the neurovascular bundles and urinary sphincter.

Dr. Canfield highlights patient selection criteria and presents clinical outcome data that demonstrates promising results of laser ablation. He addresses the technological advancements that have enhanced the effectiveness and safety of the procedure, including improved imaging techniques and laser delivery systems.

The Microbiome and Prostate Cancer

Posted by Michael A. Liss, MD, PhD, MAS, FACS | Jun 2024

Michael A. Liss, MD, PhD, MAS, FACS explores the relationship between various microbiomes and prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. He begins with a brief summary of the history of microbes in medicine and the role of various microbiomes in the human body.

Dr. Liss then explores the relationships between the genitourinary microbiome, the gut microbiome, the prostate microbiome, and prostate cancer. He notes the direct relationship between the genitourinary and prostate microbiomes and prostate cancer, focusing on the interactions of specific microbes with prostate tissue and their potential predictive value in determining prostate cancer prognosis.

Dr. Liss concludes with an overview of the indirect relationship between the microbiome of the gut and prostate cancer. He focuses on the deleterious interactions of specific gut microbes on prostate cancer treatments like ADT and the potential use of certain gut microbes in combating urologic cancers.