High-Resolution Ultrasound Shows Promise in Expediting Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
A significant trial indicates that biopsies utilizing high-resolution ultrasound have the potential to accelerate the diagnostic process for prostate cancer.
Researchers described the innovative technology as ‘game-changing,’ noting its effectiveness in diagnosing the condition was comparable to MRI scans. Importantly, it offers a more affordable and user-friendly alternative.
This advancement could pave the way for a streamlined, ‘one-stop shop’ approach, enabling patients to undergo scanning and biopsy procedures during a single hospital visit.
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Currently, most biopsies are conducted over multiple appointments in a two-stage process.
Experts suggest that adopting micro-ultrasound, or microUS, could alleviate the demand on MRI scanners, freeing them up for other essential medical applications.
This study represents the first randomized controlled trial directly comparing microUS and MRI procedures specifically for prostate cancer detection.
Trial Details and Findings
The trial involved 677 men who underwent biopsies across 19 medical centers in Canada, the US, and Europe. Participants were divided into groups:
- One group received MRI-guided biopsies.
- Another group underwent microUS-guided biopsies followed by MRI.
- The final group received microUS biopsies alone.
The study revealed that cancer detection rates in the group receiving only microUS biopsies were equally effective to those in the MRI-guided biopsy group. Detection rates were consistent across all trial arms.
Biopsies guided by high-resolution ultrasound could speed-up the diagnosis of prostate cancer, a major trial suggests
Lead researcher Professor Laurence Klotz from the University of Toronto suggests the trial results could have a similar impact to the introduction of MRI.
Prostate Cancer Statistics and Impact of Micro-Ultrasound
Prostate cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in England, with recent data indicating 55,033 new cases in 2023.
For almost 25 years, campaigns have been crucial in raising awareness about prostate cancer to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The microUS technique is designed to be easily adopted, with clinicians such as urologists and oncologists capable of quickly learning to use the technology and interpret the resulting images.
The findings from the Optimum trial were presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in Madrid and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Micro-Ultrasound Technology
Micro-ultrasound operates at a higher frequency than conventional ultrasound, resulting in a three-fold increase in image resolution. This enhanced resolution enables the capture of detailed images comparable to MRI scans, facilitating precise targeted biopsies.
Professor Laurence Klotz, the lead investigator from the University of Toronto, emphasized the potential impact of this technology, drawing parallels to the introduction of MRI.
He stated, ‘The advent of MRI, which allowed accurate imaging of prostate cancer for the first time, enabling targeted biopsies, was revolutionary.’
However, he also pointed out the limitations of MRI: ‘MRI is not without its drawbacks. It is costly, access can be challenging and slow, and its interpretation requires considerable expertise. Furthermore, it utilizes gadolinium, which carries some toxic risks.’
Professor Klotz added, ‘MRI is also unsuitable for patients with certain conditions, such as hip replacements or pacemakers.’
Concluding, he stated, ‘The realization that microUS can achieve diagnostic accuracy on par with MRI is transformative. It opens the door to offering a one-stop service, where patients can be scanned and, if necessary, biopsied immediately.’