Initial clinical experience with real-time transrectal ultrasonography-magnetic resonance imaging fusion-guided prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and utility of registration and fusion of real‐time transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide prostate biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two National Cancer Institute trials allowed MRI‐guided (with or with no US fusion) prostate biopsies during placement of fiducial markers. Fiducial markers were used to guide patient set‐up for daily external beam radiation therapy. The eligible patients had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer that was visible on MRI. A high‐field (3T) MRI was performed with an endorectal coil in place. After moving to an US suite, the patient then underwent TRUS to visualize the prostate. The US transducer was equipped with a commercial needle guide and custom modified with two embedded miniature orthogonal five‐degrees of freedom sensors to enable spatial tracking and registration with MR images in six degrees of freedom. The MRI sequence of choice was registered manually to the US using custom software for real‐time navigation and feedback. The interface displayed the actual and projected needle pathways superimposed upon the real‐time US blended with the prior MR images, with position data updating in real time at 10 frames per second. The registered MRI information blended to the real‐time US was available to the physician who performed targeted biopsies of highly suspicious areas.

RESULTS

Five patients underwent limited focal biopsy and fiducial marker placement with real‐time TRUS‐MRI fusion. The Gleason scores at the time of enrolment on study were 8, 7, 9, 9, and 6. Of the 11 targeted biopsies, eight showed prostate cancer. Positive biopsies were found in all patients. The entire TRUS procedure, with fusion, took ≈10 min.

CONCLUSION

The fusion of real‐time TRUS and prior MR images of the prostate is feasible and enables MRI‐guided interventions (like prostate biopsy) outside of the MRI suite. The technique allows for navigation within dynamic contrast‐enhanced maps, or T2‐weighted or MR spectroscopy images. This technique is a rapid way to facilitate MRI‐guided prostate therapies such as external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, cryoablation, high‐intensity focused ultrasound ablation, or direct injection of agents, without the cost, throughput, or equipment compatibility issues that might arise with MRI‐guided interventions inside the MRI suite.     

Documenting the location of prostate biopsies with image fusion

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort)
Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Currently, systematic prostate biopsies are obtained with minimal information about their actual location. This study demonstrates that a electromagnetically tracked ultrasound probe can be used to guide biopsies into specific areas of the prostate. By registering the ultrasound to an MRI scan of the prostate, obtained prior to biopsy, it is possible to accurately map the location of biopsies. Thus, if a patient requires a repeat biopsy, or there is a question about whether a specific area of the prostate was sampled, this system can be used to more accurately guide biopsies in the future. OBJECTIVE To develop a system that documents the location of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsies by fusing them to MRI scans obtained prior to biopsy, as the actual location of prostate biopsies is rarely known. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty patients (median age 61) with a median prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) of 5.8 ng/ml underwent 3T endorectal coil MRI prior to biopsy. 3D TRUS images were obtained just prior to standard TRUS‐guided 12‐core sextant biopsies wherein an electromagnetic positioning device was attached to the needle guide and TRUS probe in order to track the position of each needle pass. The 3D‐TRUS image documenting the location of each biopsy was fused electronically to the T2‐weighted MRI. Each biopsy needle track was marked on the TRUS images and these were then transposed onto the MRI. Each biopsy site was classified pathologically as positive or negative for cancer and the Gleason score was determined. RESULTS The location of all (n= 605) needle biopsy tracks was successfully documented on the T2‐weighted (T2W) MRI. Among 50 patients, 20 had 56 positive cores. At the sites of biopsy, T2W signal was considered ‘positive’ for cancer (i.e. low in signal intensity) in 34 of 56 sites. CONCLUSION It is feasible to document the location of TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies on pre‐procedure MRI by fusing the pre‐procedure TRUS to an endorectal coil MRI using electromagnetic needle tracking. This procedure may be useful in documenting the location of prior biopsies, improving quality control and thereby avoiding under‐sampling of the prostate as well as directing subsequent biopsies to regions of the prostate not previously sampled.     

磁共振弥散加权结合直肠B超联合定位经会阴前列腺穿刺90例报告

目的：检测前列腺癌影像学诊断新技术一磁共振弥散加权成像（MRDWI）诊断前列腺癌的准确性（敏感度和特异度）,探索TRUS引导的MRDWI图像上可疑病灶穿刺方法,并比较联合MRDWI及TRUS定位与单纯TURS定位经会阴前列腺穿刺活检的准确性。方法：2007年4月～2008年12月间MRDWI或TRUS检查提示可疑前列腺结节的前列腺穿刺患者90例（平均年龄69岁,平均PSA10．9μg／1）;MRI医师、超声医师、泌尿外科医师联合读片确定可疑病灶（MRDwI表观弥散系数减低及B超低回声结节）;穿刺方案为TRUS引导下经会阴可疑病灶穿刺加系统10针前列腺穿刺;MRDWI可疑结节在TRUS图像上的定位方法：在MRDWI上详细定位病灶（病灶直径,病灶中心距中线X,距膀胱颈部L、距前列腺背侧缘距离H）,再在TRUS图像上依据L确定病灶所在横断面,根据X及H确定病灶中心,再测量该横断面上病灶中心距B超探头距离O,在通过病灶中心的纵切面上以高于探头平面O的距离平行进针,即可在TRUS图像上实时精确的穿刺到MRDWI可疑结节。穿刺各针标本注明穿刺部位后分瓶送病理检查;统计各针的影像学诊断及对应的病理,分别计算MRDWI和TRUS的敏感度和特异度。结果：共获963条前列腺穿刺组织标本。前列腺癌阳性针数171个,其中MRDWI阳性123个,敏感度为71．9％（123／171）,阳性预测值（PPV）54．7％（123／225）;B超阳性39个,敏感度为22．8％（39／171）,PPV56．5％（39／69）。阴性针数792个,其中MRDWI阴性690个,特异度为87．1％（690／792）,B超阴性762个,特异度为96．2％（762／792）。MRDWI发现而B超未发现90处（52．6％）,B超发现而MRDWI未发现6处（3．5％）,MRDWI、B超均发现33处,两者均未发现42处（24．6%）。联合定位穿刺敏感度75．4％（129／171）,较之传统B超定位敏感度提高52．6％。结论：MR弥散加权成像诊断前列腺癌的初步结果显示准确性较高,敏感度显著优于TRUS。TRUS引导穿刺MRDWI可疑前列腺结节简单、准确、易行,可藉此联合MRDWI及TRUS联合定位进行前列腺穿刺,提高前列腺癌病灶直接穿刺的敏感度。但目前情况下,仍需要结合系统穿刺来减少漏诊率。     

The role of a standardized 36 core template-assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsies

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Template assisted transperineal biopsy of the prostate has become increasingly popular over the past decade. Several studies have demonstrated that transperineal prostate biopsy (TPB) is associated with an increased rate of cancer detection, increased histological concordance with final prostatectomy samples and an increase in anterior and apical prostate cancers than standard TRUS biopsy. However, interpretation of the literature is difficult due to considerable variation between studies in terms of technique and equipment. We examined a small cohort (n= 40) of patients using a standardized 36 core template assisted TPB technique. We show that utilising this technique is associated with high cancer (68%) detection rate in patients with two previous negative TRUS biopsies. Of patients were found to have anterior gland tumours which would not have been detected by standard TRUS guided biopsy.

OBJECTIVE

? To determine the efficacy and safety of a standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal biopsy technique for detecting prostate cancer in patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies and elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? Between April 2008 to September 2010, a total of 40 patients with a mean (range) age of 63 (49–73) years, a mean (range) elevated PSA level of 21.9 (4.7–87) ng/mL and two previous sets of negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies underwent standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsies under general anaesthetic as a day case procedure. ? The cancer detection rate and complications for all cases were evaluated.

RESULTS

? In total, 27 of 40 (68%) patients were found to have adenocarcinoma of the prostate, two patients (5.0%) had atypical small acinar proliferation, one had high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (2.5%), four (10%) had chronic active inflammation and six (15%) had benign histology. ? Gleason scores were in the range 6–9, with a median Gleason score of 7. ? There were no cases of urosepsis, urinary tract infections or haematuria. A single patient experienced acute urinary retention, with a subsequent succesful trial without a catheter, and haematospermia was common, although minor.

CONCLUSIONS

? Our standardized 36 core template‐assisted transperineal prostate biopsy technique is safe and associated with a high detection rate of prostate cancer. ? This technique should be considered in patients with elevated PSA levels and previously negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies.     

Real‐time Virtual Sonography for navigation during targeted prostate biopsy using magnetic resonance imaging data

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the medical navigation technique, namely, Real‐time Virtual Sonography (RVS), for targeted prostate biopsy. Methods: Eighty‐five patients with suspected prostate cancer lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in this study. All selected patients had at least one negative result on the previous transrectal biopsies. The acquired MRI volume data were loaded onto a personal computer installed with RVS software, which registers the volumes between MRI and real‐time ultrasound data for real‐time display. The registered MRI images were displayed adjacent to the ultrasonographic sagittal image on the same computer monitor. The suspected lesions on T2‐weighted images were marked with a red circle. At first suspected lesions were biopsied transperineally under real‐time navigation with RVS and then followed by the conventional transrectal and transperineal biopsy under spinal anesthesia. Results: The median age of the patients was 69 years (56–84 years), and the prostate‐specific antigen level and prostate volume were 9.9 ng/mL (4.0–34.2) and 37.2 mL (18–141), respectively. Prostate cancer was detected in 52 patients (61%). The biopsy specimens obtained using RVS revealed 45/52 patients (87%) positive for prostate cancer. A total of 192 biopsy cores were obtained using RVS. Sixty‐two of these (32%) were positive for prostate cancer, whereas conventional random biopsy revealed cancer only in 75/833 (9%) cores (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Targeted prostate biopsy with RVS is very effective to diagnose lesions detected with MRI. This technique only requires additional computer and RVS software and thus is cost‐effective. Therefore, RVS‐guided prostate biopsy has great potential for better management of prostate cancer patients.     

Patient selection determines the prostate cancer yield of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging-guided transrectal biopsies in a closed 3-Tesla scanner

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cancer yield of transrectal prostate biopsies in a 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in patients with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and recent negative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2004 and November 2005, patients with at least one previous negative prostate biopsy within the previous 12 months had MRI‐guided biopsy of the prostate in a 3‐T MRI scanner. Patients with previous positive biopsies for cancer were excluded. Target selection was based on T2‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging studies.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were eligible; their median (range) age was 61 (47–74) years and PSA value 4.90 (1.3–12.3) ng/mL. Most patients had one previous negative biopsy (range 1–4). Four patients had a family history of prostate cancer. There were 37 distinct targets based on T2‐weighted imaging. Fifteen of 16 distinct DCE abnormalities were co‐localized with a target based on T2‐weighted imaging. Despite this correlation, only one of 13 patients had a directed biopsy positive for cancer. Including systematic biopsies, two of 13 patients had a biopsy positive for prostate cancer. One patient had prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and one had atypical glands in the specimen.

CONCLUSION

The prostate‐cancer yield of transrectal biopsies in a 3‐T MRI scanner, among patients with recent negative TRUS‐guided prostate biopsies, is similar to repeat systematic TRUS‐guided biopsy. DCE correlates with T2‐imaging but does not appear to improve prostate cancer yield in this population.     

Validation and comparison of the two Kattan nomograms in patients with prostate cancer treated with (125) iodine brachytherapy

Study Type – Clinical (prospective trial) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? In clinical practice, we know that it is necessary to identify new biomarkers that can better detect prostate cancer (PC), at the same time as reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies. Recently, studies have suggested that the most relevant clinical scenario in which the prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) score could be used comprises patients with a previous negative prostate biopsy and persistently elevated PSA levels. At the same time, although multiparametric MRI is not currently used as a first approach for diagnosing PC, it can be useful for directing targeted biopsies, especially in those patients with elevated PSA levels and a previous negative TRUS‐guided biopsy. Considering all of these aspects, the present study aimed to evaluate the role of multiparametric MRI as an additional diagnostic tool for improving the accuracy of the urinary PCA3 test in patients with increased PSA levels and a previous negative prostate biopsy. Our hypothesis is that the potential value of the PCA3 test as a biomarker for PC diagnosis could be improved by the use of multiparametric MRI in directing prostate biopsy. In the present study, we show that, in cases with a previous negative biopsy and persistently elevated PSA levels submitted to multiparametric MRI to direct biopsies, the sensitivity of the PCA3 test significantly improved (79% vs 68%). However, further larger randomized studies on this combination using a new biomarker and a new imaging modality for PC diagnosis are expected.

OBJECTIVE

• ? To evaluate the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an additional diagnostic tool for improving the accuracy of the urinary prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) test in patients with an increase in prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels and a previous negative prostate biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? The present study comprised a prospective randomized study on patients with a previous negative transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy and elevated PSA levels.
• ? In total, 180 cases were analyzed, and all were submitted to PCA3 assay.
• ? Patients in group A were submitted to a second random TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy, whereas patients in group B were submitted to a multiparametric MRI examination and then to a second TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy.

RESULTS

• ? At the second biopsy, a histological diagnosis of prostate cancer was found in 26 of 84 cases (30.9%) in group A and in 29 of 84 cases (34.5%) in group B.
• ? In group A, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCA3 score were 68.0% and 74.5% respectively (positive predictive value of 53.1%, negative predictive value of 84.6% and accuracy of 72.6%).
• ? In group B, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCA3 score were 79.3% and 72.7%, respectively (positive predictive value of 60.5%, negative predictive value of 86.9% and accuracy of 75.0%).
• ? For the PCA3 score, the area under the receiver‐operator characteristic curve was 0.825 (95% confidence interval, 0.726–0.899) in group A and 0.857 (95% confidence interval, 0.763–0.924) in group B (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

• ? In patients with a previous negative biopsy and persistently elevated PSA levels, the use of multiparametric MRI for indicating sites suitable for rebiopsy can significantly improve the sensitivity of the PCA3 test in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

     

Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to monitor the prostate for residual disease or local cancer recurrence after transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluating changes in the prostate after transrectal high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating prostate cancer, correlating the findings with histology to assess its possible role in predicting the outcome, evaluating residual cancer or local recurrence of disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten patients with prostate cancer were assessed with MR and MR spectroscopy (MRS) before and at 1, 4 and 12 months after HIFU, assessing the glandular volume and MRI and MRS data after HIFU. These data were correlated with the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels at each examination (suspicious for residual cancer if >0.5 ng/mL) and with histological findings of prostate biopsy sampling at 6–8 months (random or targeted at suspicious MR areas).

RESULTS

Variations in volume during the follow‐up were not associated with treatment outcome. MRI was suspicious for residual cancer in one patient at 1 month and in another two at 4 months; in all three patients (one with a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL) targeted biopsies were positive for cancer. MRI was negative in seven patients; in six of these (one with a PSA level of >0.5 ng/mL) random biopsies were negative, and in one the random biopsies were positive for residual cancer. At 4 months there was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.015) between patients responsive to treatment and those with persistent disease, by combining negative MRI with a PSA level of <0.5 ng/mL; MRS data were suitable for analysis only in three patients with partial necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data support the role of MRI in association with PSA levels as a useful and accurate tool in the follow‐up of patients treated with HIFU for prostate cancer. However, considering the economic issue, it should not be used routinely and should be limited to detecting residual cancer (in patients with a PSA level of >0.5 ng/mL) with the main purpose of improving the detection rate of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy. MRS data had no additional value over MRI. Further evaluation is needed to compare the use of contrast media and other techniques (e.g. colour Doppler TRUS) in detecting residual or local recurrent cancer.     

Impact of high‐consistency area evaluated under hand‐operated transrectal compression using a sonographic probe on prostate cancer detection: Clinicopathological analysis

Aim of this investigation was to determine whether the evaluation of a new dynamic finding on conventional greyscale transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), which we named as high‐consistency area (HCA), is useful in detection of prostate cancer (PCa). Fifty‐one consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. When TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy was performed, HCA that was difficult to transform, due to transrectal compression using sonographic probe, was evaluated. HCA‐targeting biopsy, digital rectal examination (DRE)‐targeting biopsy and systematic 12‐core biopsy were performed. All biopsy cores were diagnosed histopathologically. As the results, twenty‐three PCas were detected in 51 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of HCA‐targeting biopsy for correct diagnosis were 60.9% and 78.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for DRE‐targeting biopsy were 47.8% and 78.6%, respectively. In conclusion, HCA‐targeting biopsy of this study was superior to DRE‐targeting biopsy with regard to detection of PCa. Before prostate biopsy, patients should be evaluated for DRE and HCA, and DRE and HCA‐targeting biopsy should be performed.     

A biopsy simulation study to assess the accuracy of several transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-biopsy strategies compared with template prostate mapping biopsies in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy

Study Type – Diagnostic (validating cohort) Level of Evidence 1b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsies can miss prostate cancer and misclassify risk in a diagnostic setting; the exact extent to which it does so in a repeat biopsy strategy in men with low–intermediate risk prostate cancer is unknown. A simulation study of different biopsy strategies showed that repeat 12‐core TRUS biopsy performs poorly. Adding anterior sampling improves on this but the highest accuracy is achieved using transperineal template prostate mapping using a 5 mm sampling frame.

OBJECTIVE

• ? To determine the effectiveness of two sampling strategies; repeat transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐biopsy and transperineal template prostate mapping (TPM) to detect and exclude lesions of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL using computer simulation on reconstructed three‐dimensional (3‐D) computer models of radical whole‐mount specimens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• ? Computer simulation on reconstructed 3‐D computer models of radical whole‐mount specimens was used to evaluate the performance characteristics of repeat TRUS‐biopsy and TPM to detect and exclude lesions of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL.
• ? In all, 107 consecutive cases were analysed (1999–2001) with simulations repeated 500 times for each biopsy strategy.
• ? TPM and five different TRUS‐biopsy strategies were simulated; the latter involved a standard 12‐core sampling and incorporated variable amounts of error, as well as the addition of anterior cores.
• ? Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values for detection of lesions with a volume of ≥0.2 mL or ≥0.5 mL were calculated.

RESULTS

• ? The mean (sd ) age and PSA concentration were 61 (6.4) years and 8.5 (5.9) ng/mL, respectively.In all, 53% (57/107) had low–intermediate risk disease.
• ? In all, 665 foci were reconstructed; there were 149 foci ≥0.2 mL and 97 ≥ 0.5 mL in the full cohort and 68 ≥ 0.2 mL and 43 ≥ 0.5 mL in the low–intermediate risk group.
• ? Overall, TPM accuracy (area under the receiver operating curve, AUC) was ≈0.90 compared with AUC 0.70–0.80 for TRUS‐biopsy.
• ? In addition, at best, TRUS‐biopsy missed 30–40% of lesions of ≥0.2 mL and ≥0.5 mL whilst TPM missed 5% of such lesions.

CONCLUSION

• ? TPM under simulation conditions appears the most effective re‐classification strategy, although augmented TRUS‐biopsy techniques are better than standard TRUS‐biopsy.

     

The value of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography (MRI/US)‐fusion biopsy platforms in prostate cancer detection: a systematic review

Despite limitations considering the presence, staging and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, ultrasonography (US)‐guided systematic biopsies (SBs) are still the ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Recently, promising results have been published for targeted prostate biopsies (TBs) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (MRI/US)‐fusion platforms. Different platforms are USA Food and Drug Administration registered and have, mostly subjective, strengths and weaknesses. To our knowledge, no systematic review exists that objectively compares prostate cancer detection rates between the different platforms available. To assess the value of the different MRI/US‐fusion platforms in prostate cancer detection, we compared platform‐guided TB with SB, and other ways of MRI TB (cognitive fusion or in‐bore MR fusion). We performed a systematic review of well‐designed prospective randomised and non‐randomised trials in the English language published between 1 January 2004 and 17 February 2015, using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases. Search terms included: ‘prostate cancer’, ‘MR/ultrasound(US) fusion’ and ‘targeted biopsies’. Extraction of articles was performed by two authors (M.G. and A.A.) and were evaluated by the other authors. Randomised and non‐randomised prospective clinical trials comparing TB using MRI/US‐fusion platforms and SB, or other ways of TB (cognitive fusion or MR in‐bore fusion) were included. In all, 11 of 1865 studies met the inclusion criteria, involving seven different fusion platforms and 2626 patients: 1119 biopsy naïve, 1433 with prior negative biopsy, 50 not mentioned (either biopsy naïve or with prior negative biopsy) and 24 on active surveillance (who were disregarded). The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS‐2) tool was used to assess the quality of included articles. No clear advantage of MRI/US fusion‐guided TBs was seen for cancer detection rates (CDRs) of all prostate cancers. However, MRI/US fusion‐guided TBs tended to give higher CDRs for clinically significant prostate cancers in our analysis. Important limitations of the present systematic review include: the limited number of included studies, lack of a general definition of ‘clinically significant’ prostate cancer, the heterogeneous study population, and a reference test with low sensitivity and specificity. Today, a limited number of prospective studies have reported the CDRs of fusion platforms. Although MRI/US‐fusion TB has proved its value in men with prior negative biopsies, general use of this technique in diagnosing prostate cancer should only be performed after critical consideration. Before bringing MRI/US fusion‐guided TB in to general practice, there is a need for more prospective studies on prostate cancer diagnosis.     

One preoperative dose randomized against 3‐day antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of infective events between a single dose and 3‐day antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive either one preoperative dose consisting of two ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets 2 h before prostate biopsy, or 3 days of ciprofloxacin treatment. They had a clinical examination at study inclusion, the day of the biopsy and 3 weeks later. The day after the procedure all patients were contacted by telephone to inquire about any significant event. Biological testing and urine cultures were conducted 5 days before and then 5 and 15 days after the biopsy; a self‐administered symptom questionnaire was completed by the patient 5 days before and then at 5 and 15 days.

RESULTS

The study group included 288 men, of whom 139 were randomized to the single‐dose arm and 149 to the 3‐day arm. Six patients in each group had an asymptomatic bacteriuria with no leukocyturia. One patient in each group had documented prostatitis, with Escherichia coli identified on urine culture. The strain identified in the patient from the 3‐day group was resistant to ciprofloxacin. There was no difference between groups in symptoms at 5 and 21 days after biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Current TRUS‐guided prostate biopsy techniques lead to very few clinical infectious complications when accompanied by antibiotic prophylaxis. We found no argument to advocate the use of more than one dose of antibiotic prophylaxis.     

Is there a relationship between prostate volume and Gleason score?

OBJECTIVES

To review the relationship between the Gleason grade and prostate volume in biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens, and thus assess the hypothesis that smaller prostates have a greater incidence of high‐grade tumours.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We selected 390 patients who had RP at our institution, with a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of <10 ng/mL and who had not had hormonal therapy. We retrospectively reviewed the data for transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided prostate biopsies from these patients and the RP specimens. Indications for biopsy included a PSA level of ≥4 ng/mL or an abnormal digital rectal examination. High‐grade tumours were defined as having a Gleason score of ≥7.

RESULTS

The TRUS volume was statistically related to the rate of high‐grade tumours at biopsy and RP. On multivariate analyses, TRUS volume was a significant predictor of high‐grade tumour for biopsy and RP specimens, with an inverse relationship between high‐grade tumours and prostate volume for biopsy and RP specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that there is a relationship between the rate of high‐grade tumours and prostate volume even in biopsy and RP specimens and it is not an artefact related to the biopsy.     

Detection rate and factors predictive the presence of prostate cancer in patients undergoing ultrasonography‐guided transperineal saturation biopsies of the prostate

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series)
Level of Evidence 4

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prostate cancer detection rate and predictive factors for prostate cancer after transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided transperineal saturation re‐biopsies of the prostate, using a 24‐core scheme.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 143 consecutive patients undergoing TRUS‐guided transperineal saturation re‐biopsy of the prostate using a 24‐core scheme. The inclusion criteria were a previous negative biopsy and a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level of ≥10.0 ng/mL, or of 4.0–10.0 ng/mL with a free/total ratio of <20% or an abnormal digital rectal examination or previous high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP).

RESULTS

The mean (sd ) age of the patients was 66.5 (6.1) years and the median (interquartile range) PSA level was 9.0 (6.1–12.8) ng/mL. The number of previous biopsies was one in 59% of patients, two in 26% and three or more in 15%. We detected prostate cancer in 26%, ASAP in 5.6% and HGPIN in 2.1%. The cancer detection rate was 47%, 25.5% and 14% for prostate volumes of <40, 40–60 and ≥60 mL, respectively (P = 0.002). On a multivariate analysis the total prostate volume (40–60 vs <40 mL, hazard ratio 5.683; >60 vs <40 mL, hazard ratio 6.965; P = 0.01) was the only significant predictor of prostate cancer at saturation biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

TRUS‐guided transperineal saturation re‐biopsy of the prostate using a 24‐core scheme resulted in a high cancer detection rate also in patients who had had two or more previous biopsies. The total prostate volume was the only predictor of prostate cancer.     

Development and validation of a virtual reality transrectal ultrasound guided prostatic biopsy simulator

Objective

We present the design, reliability, face, content and construct validity testing of a virtual reality simulator for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), which allows doctors-in-training to perform multiple different biopsy schemes.

Methods

This biopsy system design uses a regular “end-firing” TRUS probe. Movements of the probe are tracked with a micro-magnetic sensor to dynamically slice through a phantom patient’s 3D prostate volume to provide real-time continuous TRUS views. 3D TRUS scans during prostate biopsy clinics were recorded. Intrinsic reliability was assessed by comparing the left side of the prostate to the right side of the prostate for each biopsy. A content and face validity questionnaire was administered to 26 doctors to assess the simulator. Construct validity was assessed by comparing notes from experts and novices with regards to the time taken and the accuracy of each biopsy.

Results

Imaging data from 50 patients were integrated into the simulator. The completed VR TRUS simulator uses real patient images, and is able to provide simulation for 50 cases, with a haptic interface that uses a standard TRUS probe and biopsy needle. Intrinsic reliability was successfully demonstrated by comparing results from the left and right sides of the prostate. Face and content validity respondents noted the realism of the simulator, and its appropriateness as a teaching model. The simulator was able to distinguish between experts and novices during construct validity testing.

Conclusions

A virtual reality TRUS simulator has successfully been created. It has promising face, content and construct validity results.     

超声造影在直肠超声前列腺穿刺活检中的应用价值

目的：探讨超声造影（CEUS）下直肠超声前列腺穿刺活检诊断前列腺癌的价值。方法：对70例高危前列腺癌患者行前列腺穿刺活检,其中普通直肠超声（TRUS）组穿刺活检34例,CEUS组36例。结果：CEUS组36例患者共接受穿刺282针,平均7．8针;TRUS组34例接受穿刺279针,平均8．2针。CEUS组发现前列腺癌9例,阳性率为25．0％;TRUS组8例,阳性率为23．5％,两组阳性率比较,差异无统计学意义。而穿刺组织条石蜡病理标本显示,CEUS组282针中,阳性针数37针,阳性率为13．1％;TRUS组279针中,阳性针数25针,阳性率为8．9％;两者阳性率比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。两组患者穿刺后无严重并发症发生。结论：CEUS下直肠超声引导前列腺穿刺活检安全可靠,可以提高诊断前列腺癌的敏感性。     

Value of Multiparametric MRI in the Work-up of Prostate Cancer

The role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prostate cancer evaluation is controversial and likely underestimated. Technological advances over the past 5 years have demonstrated that multiparametric MRI, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, can evaluate the actual tumor burden of a newly diagnosed prostate cancer more accurately than sextant biopsy protocols. Tumor risk, defined by the D’Amico criteria, hence can be re-evaluated by multiparametric MRI. As a result, there is increasing evidence that MRI before repeat or even initial biopsy can accurately select patients who require immediate biopsies and those in whom biopsy could be deferred. Also, a relationship between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), calculated from DWI, and Gleason score was found. Thus, MRI before biopsy helps to detect high-grade tumors to target biopsies within areas of low ADC values. To achieve good targeting accuracy, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-MRI image registration is necessary. Three-dimensional deformable registration is sufficiently accurate to match TRUS and MRI volumes with a topographic precision of 1 mm. Real-time MRI-guided biopsy is another technique under evaluation. Both approaches will allow for increasing acceptance of focal therapies, should these techniques be validated in the future.     

How to decrease pain during transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy: a look at the literature

PURPOSE: There is growing interest among urologists on the need for decreasing pain during transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic MEDLINE search of clinical trials of any kind of anesthesia, analgesia or sedation during TRUS guided prostate biopsy published since 2000. We critically analyzed the impact of pain and discomfort associated with the procedure, the described methods for evaluating it and the different techniques that have been described. RESULTS: There is strong evidence in the current literature that patient tolerance and comfort during TRUS guided prostate biopsy can be improved by anesthesia/analgesia. What remains is the need to urge all urologists to introduce it in clinical practice as a routine part of the procedure, whatever the biopsy scheme. CONCLUSIONS: Of the various options periprostatic anesthetic infiltration has been shown to be safe, easy to perform and highly effective. It should be considered the gold standard at the moment, even if the optimal technique remains to be established. Further studies addressing this issue are warranted.     

Transperineal magnetic resonance image guided prostate biopsy

PURPOSE: We report the findings of a transperineal magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided biopsy of the prostate in a man with increasing prostate specific antigen who was not a candidate for a transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using an open configuration 0.5 Tesla MRI scanner and pelvic coil, a random sextant sample was obtained under real time MRI guidance from the peripheral zone of the prostate gland as well as a single core from each MRI defined lesion. The patient had previously undergone proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis and, therefore, was not a candidate for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy. Prior attempts to make the diagnosis of prostate cancer using a transurethral approach were unsuccessful. RESULTS: The random sextant samples contained benign prostatic hyperplasia, whereas Gleason grade 3 + 3 = 6 adenocarcinoma was confirmed in 15% and 25% of the 2 cores obtained from the MRI targeted specimens of 2 defined lesions. The procedure was well tolerated by the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal MRI guided biopsy is a new technique that may be useful in detecting prostate cancer in men with increasing prostate specific antigen who are not candidates for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy.     

Effect of intra-observer variation in prostate volume measurement on prostate-specific antigen density calculations among prostate cancer active surveillance participants

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The Epstein criteria, which utilize prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) benchmarks, are recognized to be a reasonable method of selecting men for active surveillance of prostate cancer. Transrectal ultrasonography, however, may not be a sufficiently precise method of measuring prostate volume for the determination of PSAD. This study shows that despite impressive intra‐observer variability in transrectal ultrasonography guided prostate volume measurements, this variability typically does not affect the PSAD to an extent by which qualification for active surveillance would be altered.

OBJECTIVE

? To determine intra‐observer variability in transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate volume measurements in the Johns Hopkins active surveillance group and to establish whether or not this variability could affect prostate‐specific antigen density (PSAD) estimates in this cohort.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? In all, 253 patients with a combined total of 1111 prostate biopsies underwent TRUS‐guided prostate volume measurements performed by the same physician at least three times over the course of their care. ? Coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated for each set of measurements performed on each patient by the same physician, and average CVs were determined for each physician and for physicians overall. The CVs were correlated with the average of each patient’s measured prostate volumes to look for any trend. ? Finally, measured prostate volumes were used with each patient’s initial prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) value to calculate PSAD to reveal whether or not the degree of variability found in these measurements would have led to PSADs that would have otherwise precluded qualification for active surveillance.

RESULTS

? The average CV for all sets of prostate volume data was 0.168. Average CVs for each physician ranged from 0.136 to 0.234. ? However, actual CVs ranged anywhere from 0.013 to 0.549. The CVs were found to have no correlation with prostate volumes (Pearson correlation coefficient: 0.04). ? In 95% of cases, variability in TRUS‐guided prostate volume measurement did not affect PSAD sufficiently to elicit a value greater than 0.15.

CONCLUSIONS

? Even among individuals who are highly experienced in TRUS‐guided prostate volume measurement, significant intra‐observer variation exists. However, this variability is not enough to affect one’s eligibility for prostate cancer active surveillance when PSAD criteria are used. ? The TRUS‐guided prostate volume measurements remain a reliable method of assessing PSAD in patients with prostate cancer.