Compared to the conventional biopsies done on prostate cancer patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) paired with prostate biopsy has enhanced cancer yield up to three times. This is a procedure available at our prostate cancer detection and treatment center, giving patients access to a powerful and precise method of detecting prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered that lesions targeted by MRI detected prostate cancer through biopsy 21% of the time, while the systematic biopsy only detected cancer 7% of the time.
The technique, which uses MRI images together with ultrasound technology, can improve detection of prostate cancer greatly as well as support ultrasound-guided biopsies, which has long been the standard for the past 25 years.
Without MRI technology, conventional biopsies work blindly, thereby failing to see what doctors are looking for when it comes to cancer detection. With the new method of fusing MRI and ultrasound, the potential to clearly see prostate cancer becomes much more refined and rational.
For so long, the transrectal ultrasound has been used as the standard imaging technique when it comes to systematic prostate biopsies. This technique has provided patients with results that are unclear. With modern MRI, which provides superior resolution, detection of prostate cancer can be substantially improved.
A study made by a team from the National Institute of Health showed a 98% positive predictive value for patients who have undergone prostate MRI as well as better sensitivity for those who have higher-grade or larger tumors.
Because of the added technology, a prostate biopsy with MRI guidance might seem impractical in some clinical settings. However, it is actually a better solution that offers high image quality, better patient comfort, and accurate diagnosis.
To learn more about the procedure, contact us at (877) 605-2737 and request an appointment with Dr. Sperling. We look forward to hearing from you!
About Dr. Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
