Targeted magnetic resonance (MR)/ultrasound fusion biopsy increased detection of high-risk prostate cancer, but decreased detection of low-risk prostate cancer, compared to standard extended-sextant ultrasound guided biopsy, according to a prospective cohort study of 1,003 men undergoing biopsy for suspected prostate cancer.

Subjects referred for biopsy due to elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination results underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging to identify regions of prostate cancer suspicion followed by both targeted and standard biopsies. The results:

• 461 cases were diagnosed by targeted biopsy

• 469 cases were diagnosed by standard biopsy

• 69% exact agreement between both biopsies

• 30% more high-risk cancers detected using targeted biopsy

• 17% fewer low-risk cancers detected using targeted biopsy

The study authors noted more research is needed to “assess the ultimate clinical implications of targeted biopsy.”

Citation: Siddiqui MM, Rais-Bahrami S, Turkbey B, et al. Comparison of MR/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy with ultrasound-guided biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. JAMA. 2015;313(4):390-397. doi: 10.1001/jama.2014.17942.