Prostate Biopsy - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided Biopsy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided Biopsy

For the last two decades, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy has been used to diagnose prostate cancer in a "blind" fashion because prostate cancer cannot be seen on ultrasound due to poor soft tissue resolution. MRI, in contrast, can identify and characterize prostate cancer. There are two forms of MRI-guided prostate biopsy: one that uses a fusion technology between US and MRI and another using MRI-alone. In the fusion US/MRI prostate biopsy, a prostate MRI is performed before biopsy and then, at the time of biopsy, the MRI images are fused to the ultrasound images to guide the urologist to the targets. In the second type of MRI-guided prostate biopsy, MRI is used at the time of biopsy. For US/MRI biopsy, a urologist performs the procedure whereas for MRI-guided prostate biopsy, a radiologist performs the procedure. US/MRI guided prostate biopsy has shown to be superior to standard TRUS-biopsy in prostate cancer detection. The multidisciplinary team approach between radiologists and urologists in prostate cancer diagnosis using MRI is benefiting men with prostate cancer. NIH-funded studies are underway to further clarify the benefits.