International group set to work on MR prostate cancer care standards
The American College of Radiology (ACR), AdMeTech Foundation and European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) have formed a joint effort to expedite development of standards for the Magnetic Resonance Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (MR PI-RADS) modeled after a successful effort in breast cancer care.
The goal is to expedite the transfer of high-quality MRI from laboratories to patients to reduce unnecessary biopsies and treatment. Over-diagnosis and over-treatment associated with prostate-specific antigen testing has been highlighted by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society and other groups.
MR PI-RADS is expected to be completed and ready for distribution in early 2013.
“MR PI-RADS will build on the ACR’s experience with the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) that has led to improvements in breast cancer screening and treatment worldwide,” Jeffrey Weinreb, MD, ACR representative and co-chair of the MR PI-RADS Steering Committee, said in a statement.
MR PI-RADS will be based on prostate MRI guidelines developed by ESUR and the work by the Boston-based nonprofit AdMeTech Foundation's International Prostate MRI working group.
“Prostate cancer—the most common major cancer in the U.S. and the second most lethal malignancy in men—represents a major public health problem,” said Faina Shtern, MD, AdMeTech Foundation’s representative and a member of the ACR’S Steering Committee. “Advanced imaging technologies and their BI-RADS standardization enabled minimally-invasive, precisely-targeted diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for women. Similarly, MR PI-RADS will transform prostate cancer care for men.”
The goal is to expedite the transfer of high-quality MRI from laboratories to patients to reduce unnecessary biopsies and treatment. Over-diagnosis and over-treatment associated with prostate-specific antigen testing has been highlighted by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society and other groups.
MR PI-RADS is expected to be completed and ready for distribution in early 2013.
“MR PI-RADS will build on the ACR’s experience with the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) that has led to improvements in breast cancer screening and treatment worldwide,” Jeffrey Weinreb, MD, ACR representative and co-chair of the MR PI-RADS Steering Committee, said in a statement.
MR PI-RADS will be based on prostate MRI guidelines developed by ESUR and the work by the Boston-based nonprofit AdMeTech Foundation's International Prostate MRI working group.
“Prostate cancer—the most common major cancer in the U.S. and the second most lethal malignancy in men—represents a major public health problem,” said Faina Shtern, MD, AdMeTech Foundation’s representative and a member of the ACR’S Steering Committee. “Advanced imaging technologies and their BI-RADS standardization enabled minimally-invasive, precisely-targeted diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for women. Similarly, MR PI-RADS will transform prostate cancer care for men.”
Evan Godt, Writer
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.