Category: Biopsy

Six years ago, we posted a blog about the PROMIS study, which delivered a one-two punch to conventional TRUS biopsies. That blog described a planned follow-on British study that would combine mpMRI with diagnostic biomarkers, in hopes of identifying men whose prostate cancer is so low-risk as to avoid a needle biopsy, and who can be safely monitored. To launch the study... keep reading

No one wants to go through an invasive clinical procedure if they don’t need it. Who wouldn’t prefer to be spared from simple invasions like blood draws or enemas, let alone major surgeries like replacing a heart valve or removing a lung? From the viewpoint of an individual, we’d like to avoid these if we keep reading

Okay, the title of this blog is obviously a trick question. No one—I repeat, NO ONE—looks forward to the prospect of a prostate biopsy. It’s not like standing in front of the freezer section and pondering which flavor of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream you want to bring home and enjoy. TRUS biopsy – UGH! keep reading

I’ve said it before, and I’ll undoubtedly say it again: multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) can avoid unnecessary biopsies. In a previous blog, “A PROMIS is a Promise for Multiparametric MRI,” I cited the results of the PROMIS study in which 576 men initially had an mpMRI scan, then underwent 2 types of needle biopsy (ouch!) so keep reading

Question: What’s worse than aging-related prostate enlargement that blocks urine flow? Answer: Going through a TURP to treat the blockage, only to find out after that you have prostate cancer. For men, a common side effect of aging is an enlarged prostate gland. You may not even be aware that this is happening until you keep reading

A family history of prostate or breast cancer is an obvious reason to test for gene mutations that are markers for potentially aggressive PCa. In fact, prostate cancer genomic screening guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommend germline genetic testing with or without genetic counseling for prostate cancer patients who have... keep reading

UPDATE: August 20, 2024 Originally published January 10, 2022 If an accurate noninvasive urine test for prostate cancer (PCa) is the Holy Grail of screening, it may be at hand. It was not that long ago that we posted about pee samples for PCa-sniffing dogs and biosensors, but now there’s an amazing breakthrough. In April keep reading

Here’s a quote that sums up the issue with a TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) guided prostate biopsy: “Needle biopsy of the prostate is an invasive procedure, which can be associated with complications (including bleeding, pain, and infection) and it is therefore important to maximize the diagnostic information gained.” The word “maximize” would be troubling if it meant sampling as many areas as possible... keep reading

In September, 2018 we posted a blog on this promising news of the IsoPSA blood test for prostate cancer (PCa). Then, in October 2019, the FDA granted breakthrough device designation to the test, in order to work closely with the manufacturer to expedite approval. This move sprang from... keep reading

You’re breezing along the railroad track of life. Like the steel wheels on a train, your choices in life have almost totally reduced friction and enhanced your midlife journey. Before you arrive at the next station, you’re at the peak of your career and in overall great health. Suddenly, where the steel meets the tracks, keep reading