Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of MRI-targeted biopsy (TB) in assessing the risk of prostate cancer before treatment. The paper reviews 24 studies involving over 24,000 patients, all of whom had undergone a specific type of prostate surgery. The review found that TB, when used in combination with imaging, clinical and biochemical tests, provides a more accurate risk assessment than current models. However, the study also notes that there are no standard protocols for TB, which may affect the accuracy of the results. Therefore, the paper concludes that while TB should be incorporated into pre-treatment risk assessments, there is a need for more research to standardize TB protocols and confirm its effectiveness over other risk classifications.

FAQs

  1. What is the main advantage of using MRI-targeted biopsy (TB) in assessing the risk of prostate cancer?
  2. What are the potential limitations of using TB, as identified in the research paper?
  3. Why does the research paper suggest that more research is needed on TB protocols in prostate cancer risk assessments?

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 beforehand. It is important for the patient to understand that while a biopsy can help diagnose prostate cancer, there are potential risks such as infection, bleeding, and discomfort. The doctor may also recommend certain precautions to take before and after the biopsy, such as avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk and following post-procedure care instructions carefully. It is also important for the patient to communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their doctor before the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for prostate biopsy include those with elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, family history of prostate cancer, or other risk factors for prostate cancer. Additionally, patients with suspicious findings on imaging studies such as MRI may also be recommended for a prostate biopsy.

Timeline

Before prostate biopsy:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, or difficulty urinating
  • Patient undergoes a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test to assess risk of prostate cancer
  • If PSA levels are elevated or abnormal, patient may be recommended for a prostate biopsy
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to identify suspicious areas in the prostate

After prostate biopsy:

  • Patient may experience discomfort, bleeding, or pain in the rectal area or when urinating for a few days after the procedure
  • Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week
  • If cancer is detected, patient may undergo further tests to determine the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer
  • Treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or active surveillance, may be recommended based on the biopsy results and other factors

Overall, the process of undergoing a prostate biopsy involves a series of tests and procedures to assess the risk of prostate cancer before treatment, and the results of the biopsy help guide further treatment decisions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and side effects of a prostate biopsy?
  2. How accurate is a MRI-targeted biopsy compared to a standard biopsy?
  3. How will the results of the biopsy help guide treatment decisions?
  4. Are there any specific preparations or precautions I need to take before the biopsy procedure?
  5. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  6. What are the chances of a false negative or false positive result with a prostate biopsy?
  7. What are the alternative options to a prostate biopsy for assessing prostate cancer risk?
  8. How experienced is the medical team in performing MRI-targeted biopsies?
  9. Will I need any follow-up tests or procedures after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should consider based on the results of the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Diamand R, Mjaess G, Ploussard G, Fiard G, Oderda M, Lefebvre Y, Sirtaine N, Roumeguère T, Peltier A, Albisinni S. Journal: Prog Urol. 2022 Jun;32(6S1):6S3-6S18. doi: 10.1016/S1166-7087(22)00170-1. PMID: 36719644