The Urology Group Brings MRI Fusion Prostate Biopsy to Reston Hospital Center

(Image Credit: Jessedle, Wikimedia Commons)

Reston, VA 10/15/21 – MRI fusion prostate biopsy is the latest technology available in the detection and management of prostate cancer. The Urology Group is proud to bring this technology to Reston Hospital Center. This builds on our history of using cutting-edge technology since we started offering this service at Reston Surgery Center in 2017.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a blood test that screens for prostate cancer. Traditionally, an elevated PSA led to a urologic evaluation. If the urologic evaluation was concerning, an ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy was performed. Ultrasound shows prostate anatomy but not prostate cancer. Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is performed by taking 12-16 biopsies of the prostate gland without any specific targeting. Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is systematic but "blind".

Prostate MRI is changing how we detect and treat prostate cancer. Unlike ultrasound, MRI shows areas or "lesions" that may be worrisome for cancer. The MRI report tells us the size and location of each lesion and how worrisome it is for cancer. Each lesion is given a score on the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scoring system. A PI-RADS score of 1 means there is a very low likelihood that the lesion is cancer. A PI-RADS score of 5 means is a very high likelihood the lesion is cancer.

MRI fusion prostate biopsy uses software to map the MRI images onto the live transrectal ultrasound images. This allows the urologist to specifically target the lesions seen on MRI. MRI prostate biopsy has been shown to increase the likelihood of finding aggressive prostate cancer. This technology also decreases the chance we will find slow-growing prostate cancer that is unlikely to be harmful. In other words, decreasing "overdetection".

The Urology Group brought this exciting technology to Reston Surgery Center in October 2017. We then partnered with United Medical Systems to bring MRI fusion biopsy with the Artemis 3-D imaging navigation system to Inova Loudoun Hospital in January 2021. We are excited to now offer this service at Reston Hospital Center. This is in an effort to improve access to MRI fusion biopsy for our patients across a wider geographic distribution. Call (703) 480-0220 to make an office or telemedicine appointment today for a prostate evaluation and to see if an MRI fusion prostate biopsy is right for you.

Reference:
Fulgham PF et al. Standard Operating Procedure for Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis, Staging and Management of Prostate Cancer. A Collaborative Initiative by the American Urological Association and the Society of Abdominal Radiology Prostate Disease Focus Panel. American Urological Association 2018, revised 2019.