Our Summary

This research looks at the environmental impact of different types of prostate cancer diagnoses. The study specifically compared the environmental emissions of five different procedures: a regular MRI of the prostate with targeted and systematic biopsies, a regular MRI with targeted biopsy cores only, a systematic biopsy without an MRI, a regular MRI with a systematic biopsy, and a biparametric MRI (which uses two types of images) with targeted and systematic biopsies.

The emissions were measured in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and equivalents of coal and gasoline burned. The study found that a regular MRI with both targeted and systematic biopsies (a common procedure) emits around 80.7 kg of carbon dioxide. Other procedures had varying levels of emissions, with a systematic 12-core biopsy without an MRI emitting the least (36.2 kg of CO2).

One of the significant findings was that the use of energy was the most substantial contributor to emissions, followed by staff travel and supply production. The study concluded that performing fewer unnecessary biopsies or using an MRI to decide which patients need a biopsy could reduce the environmental impact of these procedures. For example, 100,000 fewer unnecessary biopsies could save around 4.1 million liters of gasoline consumption.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research on different types of prostate cancer diagnoses?
  2. Which procedure was found to emit the least amount of greenhouse gases?
  3. What were the significant findings of the study and how could the environmental impact of these procedures be reduced?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about prostate biopsy is to discuss with their healthcare provider the necessity of the procedure and consider options such as a regular MRI with targeted and systematic biopsies to reduce the environmental impact of the procedure. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of the biopsy and consider alternative approaches to minimize unnecessary biopsies and their environmental footprint. Additionally, patients can inquire about the clinic’s efforts to reduce energy usage and emissions during the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a prostate biopsy are those who have abnormal results from a digital rectal exam (DRE), elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, or abnormal findings on a prostate MRI. Additionally, patients with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors may also be recommended for a biopsy to rule out the presence of cancer. It is important for patients to discuss their individual risk factors and concerns with their healthcare provider to determine if a prostate biopsy is necessary.

Timeline

Before a prostate biopsy, a patient typically undergoes several steps, including:

  1. Consultation with a urologist: The patient meets with a urologist to discuss their symptoms, medical history, and the need for a biopsy.

  2. Pre-biopsy testing: The patient may undergo blood tests, urine tests, and possibly an MRI to help determine the need for a biopsy.

  3. Consent: The patient signs a consent form acknowledging the risks and benefits of the procedure.

  4. Preparation: The patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications, avoid eating or drinking before the procedure, and possibly receive antibiotics to prevent infection.

  5. Biopsy procedure: The patient undergoes the biopsy, which involves inserting a thin needle into the prostate to collect tissue samples for examination.

After a prostate biopsy, a patient may experience the following:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort, bleeding, or blood in the urine or semen following the procedure.

  2. Pathology results: The tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis, and the patient will receive the results from their urologist.

  3. Follow-up care: Depending on the results, the patient may need further treatment, monitoring, or follow-up biopsies.

  4. Emotional impact: The patient may experience anxiety, stress, or worry about the results and the implications for their health.

Overall, the experience of undergoing a prostate biopsy can be a challenging and stressful time for patients, both physically and emotionally. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide support, information, and follow-up care to help patients navigate this process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a prostate biopsy?

  2. How accurate is a prostate biopsy in detecting prostate cancer?

  3. Are there alternative tests or procedures that could be considered before a prostate biopsy?

  4. How will the results of the biopsy be used to determine my treatment plan?

  5. How many biopsy cores will be taken during the procedure?

  6. Will anesthesia be used during the biopsy, and what are the potential side effects of anesthesia?

  7. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?

  8. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the biopsy?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the biopsy?

  10. In light of environmental concerns, is there a way to minimize the carbon footprint of the biopsy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Leapman MS, Thiel CL, Gordon IO, Nolte AC, Perecman A, Loeb S, Overcash M, Sherman JD. Journal: Eur Urol. 2023 May;83(5):463-471. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2022.12.008. Epub 2023 Jan 11. PMID: 36635108