L. Lemaitre

Combined Multiparametric MRI and Targeted Biopsies Improve Anterior Prostate Cancer Detection, Staging, and Grading

OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detection of suspicious anterior prostate lesions, and its role in staging and grading of anterior prostate cancer (APC). METHODS Between January 2008 and August 2009, 243 patients had prostate cancer diagnosed at 12-cores posterior systematic biopsies and additional 2-cores transrectal ultrasound-guided, free-hand-targeted biopsy at any area suspicious for malignancy at prebiopsy multiparametric MRI. We conducted a retrospective study of 45 of 243 (19%) patients with an area suspicious for malignancy at MRI predominantly located in the anterior part of the gland, for which targeted biopsies were positive. Targeted vs systematic biopsy cancer detection rate and upgrading based on length of cancer in the most involved core and Gleason score were measured. RESULTS Of the 45 patients, 46 separate APCs were identified at MRI with positive targeted biopsies. APC was not detected by systematic biopsies in 21 (46%) cases and detected in 25 (54%) cases. For these 25 cases, median cancer length of the most involved core in targeted compared with systematic biopsies was 8 mm vs 1 mm (P <.001), respectively. Significant Gleason score upgrading was observed in 11 of 25 (44%) cases. Correlation coefficient between the cancer length on targeted biopsies and the antero-posterior diameter of the area suspicious for malignancy on MRI was r(2) = .6 (P <.001). Separate posterior cancer was diagnosed in 26 patients. CONCLUSIONS Targeted biopsies based on a prebiopsy MRI-detected lesion improved detection rate, volume, and grade of APC compared with currently used 12-cores systematic biopsies.

Detecting prostate cancer with MRI — why and how

Multiparametric MRI of the prostate is an essential examination for the diagnosis, preoperative evaluation and planning of treatment for prostate cancer. This examination can accurately detect cancer foci in the gland so that the most appropriate management can be offered, reduce the risk of over-treatment and also ensure that certain aggressive lesions or unusual locations, which might affect the prognosis, are not ignored. We present here its main indications, focusing on the techniques for interpreting MRI, its performance and its limitations, as well as the recent European recommendations underlining the need for international harmonisation.

MRI in addition to or as a substitute for prostate biopsy: The clinician's point of view

This paper aims to argue the advantages of using routine multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) prior to the first series of biopsies in patients with suspected cancer of the prostate indicated by a rise in Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA). Using biopsy targeted onto a lesion seen by MRI, this diagnostic strategy could increase detection of significant cancers and improve evaluation of their grade and size. This strategy would also mean that the detection of insignificant cancers (microfoci detected by chance during systematic biopsy) would decrease, since if the mp-MRI did not give rise to suspicion, the indications for biopsy would be reduced. It could also reduce the number of biopsies to be performed even when the mp-MRI is suspicious, by resorting solely to targeted biopsies. This review does not evaluate the role of mp-MRI in locoregional staging.

Prostate cancer: Diagnosis, parametric imaging and standardized report

Multiparametric MR of the prostate provides an extremely accurate diagnosis and offers an excellent negative predictive value for cancers which biopsies struggle to detect. Combined with biopsies they consolidate both positive and negative biopsy results and allow patients to be offered more appropriate treatments (active monitoring, radical treatment in full knowledge of the topography of the lesions involved, or local treatment, etc.). The investigation does not require advanced equipment and can be carried out in any MR centre although it needs to follow a technical protocol described in the European guidelines (ESUR 2012). Interpretation should be standardized to facilitate communication of clear and consistent information between practitioners.