In a groundbreaking development in the field of healthcare research, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) and Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) have collaborated to create the first-ever AI-based approach to studying prostate enlargement in Indonesia. Their research uniquely combines genomics and radiomics to provide more precise diagnosis and treatment strategies for prostate conditions, both benign and malignant.

Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang, Head of the Urology Department at UB's Faculty of Medicine (FKUB), explains that a deeper understanding of genomics and radiomics is key to developing more personalized and accurate treatments for prostate enlargement. "By better understanding the genetic and radiomic factors involved in prostate enlargement, we can create a more tailored approach to diagnosis and treatment," said Dr. Anwar.

The core of this research lies in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of genetic and clinical data related to prostate enlargement. The ultimate goal is to predict the risks of prostate disease, facilitate early diagnosis, and develop more effective treatments. With large genetic datasets being difficult to process manually, the use of AI significantly improves accuracy, making it easier to diagnose, treat, and predict outcomes for patients.

David Agustriawan, S.Kom., M.Sc., Ph.D., from UMN, highlights the importance of AI in enhancing the precision of prostate disease diagnosis. "These large genetic datasets must be analyzed with AI to obtain more accurate results, not only for diagnosis and treatment but also for predicting patient prognosis," Agustriawan explained.

This pioneering research collaboration between UB and UMN began in April 2024 and has been supported by national research funding from the Research and Community Service Information Base (BIMA) under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). The project focuses on integrating genomics, radiomics, and AI technology to provide more effective solutions for managing prostate diseases.

Prostate enlargement, including both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, is one of the most common urological diseases in elderly men. In 2024, it is estimated that there are 94 million cases of benign prostate enlargement globally, with prostate cancer cases exceeding 299,000. In Indonesia, prostate cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer among men.

The complexity of prostate enlargement stems from various factors, including genetics and environmental influences. Genomic studies are essential as they can help determine how genetic factors affect patients' responses to treatments. Specific genes may also lead to drug resistance. Meanwhile, radiomics plays an important role in the treatment of tumors, requiring detailed anatomical analysis through imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans.

Dr. Irmawati, S.Kom., M.M.S.I. from UMN, emphasizes the importance of radiomics in improving diagnostic accuracy. "The introduction of radiomics to Indonesia will enhance the precision of diagnosis and staging of prostate diseases. In the future, radiomics could also guide surgeons during operations," she said.

This research has already earned recognition, winning the Best Abstract award at the Indonesia International Cancer Conference 2024 and securing third place in the Best Oral Presentation Scientific Competition at the 3rd Indonesian Society of Andrological Urology (InaSAU) Meeting in 2024.

The team hopes that this collaborative research effort will bring significant benefits to the field of healthcare, particularly in urology in Indonesia. The integration of genomics, radiomics, and AI has the potential to revolutionize how prostate diseases are diagnosed and treated, making a real impact on the lives of many patients.