Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of two different types of biopsy in detecting prostate cancer in patients who had previously had negative results from biopsies. A biopsy is a procedure where a small piece of tissue is removed from the body to examine it for disease. The two types of biopsy studied were systematic biopsies, where samples are taken from different areas of the prostate, and targeted biopsies, where samples are taken from specific areas that appear suspicious.

The study also looked at the value of a measure known as prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in detecting significant prostate cancer. PSAd is a calculation that takes into account both the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood (which can be an indicator of prostate cancer) and the size of the prostate.

The researchers found that both types of biopsy were effective in detecting prostate cancer, but systematic biopsy detected cancer in a higher percentage of patients. Furthermore, a higher PSAd value was associated with significant prostate cancer. Therefore, they concluded that systematic biopsy should continue to be used routinely in patients with previous negative biopsies.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of biopsy methods studied in detecting prostate cancer?
  2. What is the significance of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in detecting significant prostate cancer?
  3. Based on the study, which type of biopsy is more effective in detecting prostate cancer in patients with previous negative biopsies?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about prostate biopsy is to make sure to follow any pre-biopsy instructions given by the healthcare provider, such as abstaining from blood-thinning medications or antibiotics. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare provider before the procedure to ensure a clear understanding of what to expect. After the biopsy, it’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions and to report any unusual symptoms or complications to the healthcare provider promptly. Regular follow-up appointments and monitoring of PSA levels may also be recommended to track any changes in prostate health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy include those with elevated PSA levels, abnormal digital rectal exam findings, or other risk factors for prostate cancer such as family history. Patients who have had a previous negative biopsy but continue to have concerning symptoms or elevated PSA levels may also be recommended for a repeat biopsy. Additionally, patients with a high PSAd value may be recommended for a biopsy to further investigate the possibility of significant prostate cancer.

Timeline

Before the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may have symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine.
  2. Patient may undergo a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for any abnormalities in the prostate.
  3. Patient may have a blood test to measure their PSA levels, which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
  4. Patient may have imaging tests such as an MRI to identify any suspicious areas in the prostate.

During the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient will be given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Patient will lie on their side with their knees drawn up towards their chest.
  3. A thin needle will be inserted into the prostate gland to remove tissue samples.
  4. Patient may feel some discomfort or pain during the procedure.

After the prostate biopsy:

  1. Patient may experience some bleeding or blood in the urine or semen for a few days.
  2. Patient may have some pain or discomfort in the area of the biopsy site.
  3. Patient will receive the results of the biopsy within a week or two.
  4. Depending on the results, the patient may need further treatment or monitoring for prostate cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a prostate biopsy?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects of a prostate biopsy?
  3. How is a prostate biopsy performed?
  4. How long does it take to get the results of a prostate biopsy?
  5. What does a positive or negative result from a prostate biopsy mean?
  6. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that can be done instead of a prostate biopsy?
  7. How often should a prostate biopsy be repeated, if necessary?
  8. What is the significance of prostate-specific antigen density (PSAd) in detecting prostate cancer?
  9. What are the differences between systematic and targeted biopsies, and which one is recommended for me?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after a prostate biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Gómez-Ortiz D, Garza-Gangemi AM, Oropeza-Aguilar M, Rangel-Suárez S, Espinosa-Cruz V, Villegas-Hernández AC, Martínez-Martínez R, Castillejos-Molina RA. Journal: Rev Invest Clin. 2022 Jul 1;74(4):212-218. doi: 10.24875/RIC.22000084. PMID: 35896008