Research has found that using targeted biopsy finds more high risk prostate cancers but fewer low-risk prostate cancers compared to standard biopsy. The ability to accurately determine prostate cancer progression is information that is important in helping to decide how best it can be treated.
The study included 1,003 men who had previously undergone a digital rectal exam or PSA blood test (DRE) that had raised concerns. All of them had both targeted and a type of standard biopsies of the prostate gland. A targeted biopsy procedure entails using MRI on the prostate to find and examine abnormal areas suspected of containing cancer. Next, an ultrasound is done with equipment that matches the ultrasound images with the MRI in real time. This directs the doctor to target abnormal areas for biopsy. Standard type biopsy uses ultrasound to identify the prostate with samples of tissues removed from different areas of the prostate randomly. About 12 tissue samples are examined. The study observed that targeted biopsy discovered 30% more high-risk cancers compared to standard biopsy and 17% few low-risk cancers. High-risk prostate cancers are treated with utmost urgency because they are considered to be life-threatening, but many low-risk prostate cancers progress very slowly and are monitored closely unless the tumor grows. The research did not find out whether targeted biopsy reduced prostate cancer recurrences or deaths. Some doctors observed that while the targeted biopsy studied helped to find aggressive cancers, it will take longer to find out whether this will clinically benefit men. Reducing the number of tissue samples needed will, however, make the biopsies safer. Treating a prostate cancer that was detected early is a decision to be made by the patient and the doctor. The options involved include careful monitoring of the cancer’s progress or undergoing radiation or surgery. Some men may want to destroy the cancer while others may get concerned about avoiding the possible side effects that arise from the treatment such as impotence and incontinence. It is therefore important for the men to be fully informed about their options and consequences for them to make a personal decision.
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AuthorAs the founder and medical director of the Prostate Seed Institute Dr. Gregory A. Echt. His vision to provide the most modern treatment, non surgical treatments for prostate cancer in various locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth continues to succeed. Now date, he has made a therapy for prostate implantation seed at over 2,500 men, including urologists and oncologists. Archives
December 2019
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