Medscape (5/19, Johnson) reported that targeted "prostate biopsies that use a fusion of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound can produce a significantly higher yield and might be a replacement for traditional systematic biopsies," according to findings presented at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine meeting. Researchers enrolled 54 patients who "underwent multiparametric MRI -- a blend of diffusion-weighted MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, and traditional T2-weighted MRI." Of the samples from "652 systematic biopsies and 150 targeted biopsies, 38 (5.8%) and 26 (17%), respectively, were positive; the difference was not significant." However, after "parallax optimization, the difference in positive cores reached statistical significance; 7.1% of the systematic biopsy samples and 37% of the targeted biopsy samples were positive."
Dr. Scionti performs typically utilizes a high definition, multiparametric MRI-Scan of the prostate performed by the expert radiology team at NYU. (This study is covered by most insurance plans) The MRI Scan provides precise images of the prostate that help Dr. Scionti to identify the size and location of any tumors. Additionally, a Power Doppler 3D Ultrasound Scan can map the prostate size, shape, density, and location of the neurovascular bundles as well as to help identify the extent, stage and location of tumors. A face-to-face consultation with Dr. Scionti at the NYU - Joel E. Smilow Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Center in New York City is highly recommended.