Our Summary

This research paper is about a comparison between two methods of diagnosing prostate cancer: microultrasound and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy (mpMRI-TB). The researchers looked at studies conducted until April 2021, which used microultrasound for the biopsy and diagnosis of prostate cancer. They analyzed the data from 11 studies involving 1081 patients.

The researchers found that there’s no significant difference between microultrasound and mpMRI-TB in detecting prostate cancer. This was true for different grading groups of the disease as well. In simpler terms, the effectiveness of microultrasound in diagnosing prostate cancer is almost the same as that of mpMRI-TB.

This means that microultrasound could be another viable option for diagnosing prostate cancer, challenging the current use of mpMRI-TB.

FAQs

  1. What two methods of diagnosing prostate cancer were compared in the research?
  2. How many studies and patients were involved in the research analysis regarding microultrasound for prostate cancer diagnosis?
  3. Based on the research, what was the conclusion about the effectiveness of microultrasound compared to mpMRI-TB in detecting prostate cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about prostate biopsy is to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with them before proceeding. It is important for the patient to understand that while a biopsy is necessary to diagnose prostate cancer, there are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, and discomfort. Additionally, the doctor may recommend taking precautions such as avoiding blood thinners before the biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding. It is also important for the patient to follow any post-biopsy instructions given by the doctor to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are recommended for a prostate biopsy are those who have abnormal results from a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE), as well as those who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer due to factors such as age, family history, or ethnicity. Additionally, patients who have symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine may also be recommended for a prostate biopsy.

It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine if a prostate biopsy is necessary. In the case of this research paper, patients who underwent microultrasound for the biopsy and diagnosis of prostate cancer were likely those who met the criteria for a prostate biopsy based on their risk factors and symptoms.

Timeline

Before the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
  2. Patient undergoes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the prostate gland.
  3. Patient may undergo a PSA blood test to measure PSA levels.
  4. Patient may undergo a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scan to identify suspicious areas in the prostate.

During the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may receive antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Patient is positioned on their side or back.
  3. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
  4. A thin needle is inserted through the rectum or perineum to collect tissue samples from the prostate gland.
  5. Multiple samples are taken from different areas of the prostate.

After the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience mild discomfort, bleeding, or blood in urine for a few days.
  2. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  3. Pathology report is generated to analyze the tissue samples for signs of cancer.
  4. Patient meets with a urologist to discuss the biopsy results and treatment options.
  5. If cancer is detected, further tests may be conducted to determine the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
  6. Treatment options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of a prostate biopsy using microultrasound compared to mpMRI-TB?
  2. How accurate is microultrasound in detecting and diagnosing prostate cancer compared to mpMRI-TB?
  3. Are there any specific criteria or factors that make a patient a better candidate for a microultrasound biopsy over an mpMRI-TB biopsy?
  4. How does the cost of a microultrasound biopsy compare to an mpMRI-TB biopsy?
  5. What is the procedure like for a microultrasound biopsy and how does it differ from an mpMRI-TB biopsy?
  6. Are there any potential complications or side effects associated with a microultrasound biopsy that I should be aware of?
  7. How long does it typically take to receive results from a microultrasound biopsy compared to an mpMRI-TB biopsy?
  8. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using microultrasound for prostate biopsy that I should know about?
  9. What follow-up care or monitoring is recommended after a microultrasound biopsy to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment?
  10. How does the use of microultrasound for prostate biopsy fit into my overall treatment plan and prognosis for prostate cancer?

Reference

Authors: You C, Li X, Du Y, Peng L, Wang H, Zhang X, Wang A. Journal: J Endourol. 2022 Mar;36(3):394-402. doi: 10.1089/end.2021.0361. PMID: 34569293