Current Beliefs and Practice Patterns Among Urologists Regarding Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance-targeted Biopsy - Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) -targeted biopsy have a growing role in the screening and evaluation of prostate cancer. We aim to evaluate the current knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns of urologists regarding this new technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance (MR) -targeted biopsy have a growing role in the screening and evaluation of prostate cancer. We aim to evaluate the current knowledge, attitude, and practice patterns of urologists regarding this new technique.

RESULTS:A total of 302 responses were received (Endourological Society: 175, European Association of Urology: 23, and Society of Urologic Oncology: 104). Most respondents (83.6%) believe MR-targeted biopsy to be moderately to extremely beneficial in the evaluation of prostate cancer. Overall, 85.7% of responders use prostate MRI in their practice, and 63.0% use MR-targeted biopsy. The 2 most common settings for use of MR-targeted biopsy include patients with history of prior negative biopsy result (96.3%) and monitoring patients on active surveillance (72.5%). In those who do not use MR-targeted biopsy, the principal reasons were lack of necessary infrastructure (64.1%) and prohibitive costs (48.1%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, practice in an academic setting (1.86 [1.02-3.40], P = 0.043) and performing greater than 25 radical prostatectomies per year (2.32 [1.18-4.56], P = 0.015) remained independent predictors for using MR-targeted biopsy.

CONCLUSION: Most respondents of our survey look favorably on use of prostate MRI and MR-targeted biopsy in clinical practice. Over time, reduction in fixed costs and easier access to equipment may lead to further dissemination of this novel and potentially transformative technology.

Written by: 
Muthigi A1, Sidana A2, George AK2, Kongnyuy M2, Maruf M2, Valayil S2, Wood BJ3, Pinto PA2.

1 Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. 
2 Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
3 Center for Interventional Oncology, National Cancer Institute & Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.

Reference:  PMC5154881 [Available on 2018-01-01] 
doi: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2016.08.008

PubMed Article