Specialized ultrasound can detect prostate cancer with high accuracy when multiparametric MRI is not readily available, according to a new study published in Lancet Oncology.
Currently, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is the standard for prostate cancer detection. However, these scans are costly and time consuming. They can also be difficult to access for some individuals and not every patient is physically capable of completing the scan due to having contraindications such as pacemakers or claustrophobia.
Researchers from Imperial College London, University College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust recently made the case for multiparametric ultrasound (mpUSS) for prostate cancer detection in lieu of mpMRI, citing that it is cost effective, quick and easily accessible to a wider population of patients. But is it as accurate as mpMRI?
The researchers’ clinical trial included a total of 370 men deemed at risk of prostate cancer based on results of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests or abnormal digital rectal examinations. Each participant underwent both an mpUSS and mpMRI scan. Following positive scans, 257 men were singled out for biopsy.
Out the 257 men who underwent biopsy, 133 were diagnosed with cancer, 83 of which were considered clinically significant. When the experts compared the positive scans to the pathologically confirmed cancers, they found that mpUSS detected just 4.3% fewer clinically significant prostate cancers then mpMRI. The mpUSS findings did, however, result in 11.1% more patients being referred for biopsy.
Although mpMRI detected prostate cancer at slightly higher rates than mpUSS, experts believe that utilizing ultrasound is still a good alternative when obtaining an MRI is not feasible, especially when ease of access is an issue.
“We believe that this test can be used in low and middle income settings where access to expensive MRI equipment is difficult and cases of prostate cancer are growing,” lead author Professor Hashim Ahmed, chair of urology at Imperial College London, and co-authors suggested. “Multiparametric ultrasound could be an alternative to multiparametric MRI as a first test for patients at risk of prostate cancer, particularly if multiparametric MRI cannot be carried out.”
The full study can be viewed in Lancet Oncology.
More on prostate cancer detection:
Is PET/CT or multiparametric MRI best for detecting prostate cancer? New research offers guidance
MRI-based prostate cancer screening paired with new blood test can reduce deaths by up to 9%
Prostate cancer grading and quantification is significantly more accurate with AI-assisted platform
MRI detects 67% of lymph node metastases in patients with prostate cancer, research shows
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.