New ultrasound technique shows promise as an alternative to MRI for guiding prostate biopsies
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, 天博体育 Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, 天博体育 Publishing
High-resolution micro-ultrasound may be a more efficient alternative to using MRI plus conventional ultrasound to guide prostate biopsies, according to a study published online March 23, 2025, by JAMA.
MRI-guided prostate biopsy to confirm and define the location(s) of cancer is a two-step process. Step one is getting an MRI. Based on the reading, step two is the biopsy guided by MRI findings combined with live ultrasound images. In comparison, micro-ultrasound-guided biopsy is a one-step process. The surgeon performs the biopsy based directly on live images from high-resolution ultrasound of the prostate gathered during the procedure through a probe inserted in the rectum. In the trial, half of the 678 men suspected to have prostate cancer underwent a micro-ultrasound-guided biopsy; the other half had a prostate MRI first, then the second step with a conventional biopsy guided by the MRI results. The researchers found no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy between the two approaches.
They added that the micro-ultrasound method offers several advantages. Micro-ultrasound involves a single visit to a urologist, whereas MRI requires two trips 鈥� first to the radiologist and then to the urologist. It is also less expensive than the cost of an initial MRI scan and a separate prostate biopsy.
Image: 漏 Nadzeya Haroshka /Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, 天博体育 Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, 天博体育 Publishing
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