Dr. David Samadi, World Renowned Robotic Surgeon, explains why MRI fusion biopsy is more accurate for finding prostate cancer

  United States, New York, New York - 04/30/2020 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Dr. David Samadi, Director of Men’s Health at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York,  knows that finding and diagnosing prostate cancer is tricky. Screening tests, such as prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the digital rectal exam (DRE), while helpful, are not 100% accurate and may result in a false-positive or false-negative. Another screening method called Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (TRUS), commonly suffers from poor image resolution with the biopsy often passing through tumor-free areas of the prostate, potentially missing the tumor entirely.

While benefits of screening outweigh the risks, unclear test results create unnecessary worry or multiple unwarranted invasive medical procedures if the cancer is slow-growing and not life-threatening. 

“Fortunately, technology is available improving the accuracy of prostate cancer biopsies,” said Dr. Samadi. “MRI fusion biopsy is a diagnostic procedure for patients suspected to have prostate cancer based on an elevated PSA test or an abnormal digital rectal exam. This diagnostic tool can find multiple hidden tumors likely missed by other traditional prostate biopsies.”

Why MRI fusion biopsy is important

For a long time, men with an elevated PSA or irregular DRE, typically underwent a traditional “blind” prostate biopsy using a needle to remove about 12 tissue or core samples from different parts of the prostate. 

“A first time prostate biopsy done randomly can easily miss significant cancer.” explained Dr. David Samadi. “Each year around 700,000 American men with a high PSA will need repeat biopsies due to a blind biopsy tissue sample missing cancerous prostate tumors.”

How does MRI fusion biopsy work?

“When detecting prostate cancer, patients want a quick and accurate diagnosis,” explained Dr. Samadi. “A multiparametric MRI image is taken of the prostate gland and then fused with a live ultrasound image to pinpoint areas of the prostate for needle biopsy. This real-time 3-D image provides the clarity and precision helping me eliminate the need to take multiple random biopsies reducing over treating the patient. I can pinpoint exactly where I need to biopsy.  Even better, it helps me find aggressive, life-threatening tumors that may have otherwise been missed.”

Most men with an elevated PSA, abnormal DRE, or history of previous negative biopsies are usually possible candidates for MRI fusion biopsy. The procedure itself can be done in our Prostate Center in Manhattan with just local numbing medications and no major anesthesia. 

“Any man with an abnormal PSA or DRE should ask their urologist about MRI fusion biopsy” said Dr. Samadi.  “Why take the risk of missing a hidden tumor or anterior tumor when the technology is available for a better view of worrisome areas and reducing the number of biopsies the first time around?”  

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He is a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City. He is regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., trained in oncology, open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. He has a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.