Our Summary

This research paper compares the cost and effectiveness of two different methods used to confirm the presence of prostate cancer - a 6-core transrectal (TR) approach, and transperineal (TP) saturation biopsy. In simpler terms, these are two different ways to take a small piece of tissue from the prostate to check for cancer. The research was done in a hospital in Malaysia in 2020 and looked at all the prostate biopsies they did that year.

The study found that the TR approach was less expensive and more effective at detecting cancer. The cost for each TR biopsy was around RM47.53 on average, while the TP biopsies were more expensive, costing around RM160.85 on average. On top of that, the TR biopsies were better at finding cancer. They found cancer in about 43.2% of cases, while the TP biopsies only found cancer in about 24.2% of cases.

In conclusion, the study found that the TR approach was both cheaper and more effective at detecting prostate cancer. However, the study didn’t look into why the TP biopsies were less effective at detecting cancer, so more research would be needed to understand that.

FAQs

  1. What are the two methods compared in this research paper to confirm the presence of prostate cancer?
  2. Which method was found to be less expensive and more effective in detecting prostate cancer according to the study?
  3. What was the average cost difference between the two methods of prostate biopsies as per the research?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about prostate biopsy is to discuss with them the different methods available and their cost-effectiveness and effectiveness in detecting cancer. This can help the patient make an informed decision about which approach to take. Additionally, the doctor may advise the patient to follow any pre-biopsy instructions carefully to ensure accurate results and to discuss any concerns or questions they may have about the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended prostate biopsy include those who have abnormal results on a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, have an abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE), or have symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine. Additionally, patients with a family history of prostate cancer or those who are at an increased risk due to age or other factors may also be recommended for a prostate biopsy.

Timeline

Before the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or elevated PSA levels.
  2. Patient undergoes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for abnormalities in the prostate.
  3. Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound to further evaluate the prostate.
  4. Patient receives counseling and information about the biopsy procedure, risks, and benefits.

During the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient is positioned on their side or back.
  2. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
  3. A thin needle is inserted through the rectum or skin near the perineum to collect tissue samples from the prostate.
  4. Patient may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure.
  5. Tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis.

After the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, or blood in urine or semen for a few days.
  2. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period of time.
  3. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a week.
  4. Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results and next steps, such as further testing or treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about prostate biopsy include:

  1. What are the different methods of prostate biopsy available, and which one do you recommend for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects associated with the biopsy procedure?
  3. How accurate is the biopsy in detecting prostate cancer?
  4. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  5. What are my options if the biopsy results come back positive for cancer?
  6. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could be done instead of a biopsy?
  7. How many biopsies have you performed, and what is your experience with this procedure?
  8. Will I need to take any special precautions or follow any specific instructions before or after the biopsy?
  9. Will I need to follow up with additional tests or treatments after the biopsy?
  10. What is the cost of the biopsy procedure, and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Tham JH, Looi LM, Ghazali R. Journal: Malays J Pathol. 2022 Dec;44(3):469-475. PMID: 36591714