Artificial intelligence (AI) could be around twice as accurate as a biopsy at grading the aggressiveness of some sarcomas, according to new research. Sarcoma is a rare and diverse cancer that affects the body`s connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, and blood vessels.

Results from the study, published in The Lancet Oncology, suggest that the new AI algorithm could help tailor the treatment of some sarcoma patients more accurately and effectively than a biopsy, an invasive procedure which is currently standard practice. The study focused on retroperitoneal sarcoma, a soft tissue sarcoma which develops in the back of the abdomen and, due to its location and rarity, is currently hard to diagnose and treat.