NoIt’s no longer science fiction, but science made in Italy. AtIRCCS of Candiolonear Turin, urological surgery enters a new era: prostate cancer is removed with the help of robots, artificial intelligence and augmented reality. The result? More precise, less invasive interventions, faster recovery and — above all — one quality of life that remains high. It proves it RIDERS studiopublished in the magazine European Urologyfirst in the world to certify the effectiveness of this revolutionary technique.
Prostate, the future is here: the robot that “sees” the tumor
At the IRCCS in Candiolo surgery becomes a meeting between the human hand and artificial intelligence. The MRI images are processed by AI to build a 3D model of the prostate and tumor. Thanks to augmented reality, this model is superimposed on the operating field, allowing the surgeon to see in real time where to intervene with extreme precision.
“Our goal is a perfect balance between oncological control and quality of life,” he explains Francesco PorpigliaFull Professor of Urology at the University of Turin and Director of Urology at the IRCCS of Candiolo.
«This technology allows us to spare the neuro-vascular bundles, fundamental for continence and sexual potency, even in cases of locally advanced cancer».
AI, augmented reality and robotics: how the intervention works
The heart of the new procedure is the collaboration between man and machine. The artificial intelligence is trained to recognize a fixed point in the operating field — a standard catheter — and anchor the virtual model of the organ onto it.
The the surgeon can thus “see” the colored tumor areas in green and operate with precise visual guidanceremoving the tumor and preserving the surrounding nerves. It is a “gentle” surgerywhich combines oncological radicality and respect for anatomy.
The results of the Riders study
The study, published on European Urologyinvolved 133 patients: 84 underwent standard robot-assisted prostatectomy; 49 to the new technique with AI and augmented reality. The results speak clearly:
Positive tumor margins reduced from 39% to 22%;
complete urinary continence in 91% of patients (versus 71%);
preserved sexual function in over 40% of cases.
«It is a concrete step forward towards more humane and precise surgery», explains Porpiglia. The director general of the IRCCS, Salvatore Niedduadds: «Artificial intelligence it does not replace the surgeon, but enhances him. It’s an extension of his vision and sensitivity.”
The revolution coincides with Movember
The publication of the study comes on the eve of Movemberthe global campaign dedicated to men’s health. In Italy, the Prostate cancer is the most common among menwith over 40 thousand new cases estimated in 2024 according to the AIOM-AIRTUM relationship. A discovery which, precisely in this symbolic month, reminds us how much innovation and prevention go hand in hand.
A first step towards the surgery of the future
The 12-month follow-up confirms the safety of the technique, but the Candiolo researchers look ahead: the next objective is one international multicenter study.
«It is the beginning of a new era of precision surgery», concludes Nieddu. «Where technology becomes man’s ally and every innovation is at the service of quality of life.»