Our Summary

This study compared three methods of detecting prostate cancer: traditional ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-SB), MRI-guided biopsy (mpMRI), and artificial intelligence ultrasound of prostate (AIUSP). 400 patients were divided into three groups, each undergoing one of the methods. The study found that AIUSP was the most effective at detecting prostate cancer, finding it in roughly half of the patients tested. This was significantly higher than the detection rates for the traditional ultrasound and MRI methods, which detected cancer in about a third of patients. Furthermore, AIUSP was also better at detecting clinically significant prostate cancer. The study suggests that AIUSP could be a better alternative to the current methods of systematic biopsy for detecting prostate cancer.

FAQs

  1. What methods of detecting prostate cancer were compared in this study?
  2. Which method was found to be the most effective at detecting prostate cancer?
  3. How does the effectiveness of AIUSP compare to traditional ultrasound and MRI methods in detecting prostate cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that it is important to follow all pre-biopsy instructions, such as not taking blood thinners and emptying their bladder before the procedure. They may also advise the patient to ask questions and discuss any concerns they have about the biopsy process. Additionally, the doctor may explain the potential risks and benefits of the biopsy, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure. It is important for the patient to communicate openly with their healthcare provider to ensure a successful biopsy experience.

Suitable For

Patients who have elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, abnormal digital rectal exam findings, or other risk factors for prostate cancer are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy. Additionally, patients who have had previous negative biopsies but continue to have concerning symptoms or test results may also be recommended for a biopsy.

Timeline

Before the biopsy:

  1. Patient visits a doctor due to symptoms or abnormal prostate exam results.
  2. Doctor recommends a prostate biopsy to further investigate potential prostate cancer.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-biopsy procedures such as blood tests, urine tests, and possibly a digital rectal exam.
  4. Patient may also receive information about the biopsy procedure, risks, and potential complications.

During the biopsy:

  1. Patient is positioned on their side or back with their knees bent.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
  3. A needle is inserted through the rectum or perineum to collect tissue samples from the prostate.
  4. The procedure may cause discomfort, pressure, or slight pain.
  5. Tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis.

After the biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some pain, bleeding, or discomfort in the days following the procedure.
  2. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a week.
  3. Patient meets with their doctor to discuss the biopsy results and potential treatment options.
  4. If cancer is detected, patient may undergo further tests or treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or active surveillance.
  5. Patient may also receive guidance on monitoring their prostate health and managing potential side effects of treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a prostate biopsy?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of a prostate biopsy?
  3. How is the procedure performed?
  4. What is the difference between traditional ultrasound-guided biopsy, MRI-guided biopsy, and artificial intelligence ultrasound of prostate?
  5. Why would one method be more effective than another at detecting prostate cancer?
  6. What is the accuracy rate of each method?
  7. What happens if cancer is detected during the biopsy?
  8. Are there any alternatives to a prostate biopsy?
  9. How should I prepare for a prostate biopsy?
  10. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Wang X, Xie Y, Zheng X, Liu B, Chen H, Li J, Ma X, Xiang J, Weng G, Zhu W, Wang G, Fang Y, Cheng H, Xie L. Journal: World J Urol. 2023 Mar;41(3):653-662. doi: 10.1007/s00345-022-04086-0. Epub 2022 Jul 19. PMID: 35852595