In recent years, the research required for detecting prostate cancer has significantly changed and improved. “Fusion” biopsy is one of the most advanced achievements in medicine, ensuring maximum accuracy in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“Fusion” biopsy is the combination of micro-ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data on the ExactVu micro-ultrasound platform. This technology helps urologists perform targeted biopsies of specific areas of the prostate that are suspected and need biopsy.
What new opportunities does Fusion biopsy offer in prostate cancer diagnostics?
Traditionally, the random sampling method is used to detect tumors, which involves taking 12-14 biopsy samples from prostate tissue. Because this method is random, there is a significant probability that cancerous tissue may be missed in the research. This means that men might need multiple biopsies before the cancer is detected, and the process may advance or become more complicated. For example, in the United States, every year, approximately 700,000 men with high PSA levels undergo repeat biopsies to detect cancer.
Biopsy Samples
With “Fusion” biopsy, urologists can specifically target the suspicious areas, guiding the needle accurately to the location that needs to be sampled. Studies have shown that “Fusion” biopsies reduce the need for repeat biopsies and, compared to traditional biopsies, provide the maximum possibility for the early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
When might you need targeted Fusion biopsy?
You may need it if:
- The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is elevated.
- A suspicious area is detected during micro-ultrasound imaging of the prostate.
- You have a history of negative traditional biopsies.
Fusion Biopsy Procedure:
At Karazanashvili Robotic Center Prostate Diagnosis and Treatment Center, all the cutting-edge technologies required for “Fusion” biopsy are available, making Karazanashvili Robotic Center the exclusive provider of this technology in the country, region, and even in neighboring countries.
The center’s highly qualified specialists, thanks to the high-resolution technology, use simultaneous control of MRI and micro-ultrasound to perform targeted biopsies of suspicious areas and achieve 100% prostate cancer diagnosis, which is nearly impossible with traditional biopsies. The procedure requires the same preparation as a standard prostate biopsy, is completed in one day, and does not require hospitalization.
What are the advantages of targeted Fusion biopsy compared to traditional biopsies?
This technology allows our specialists to detect hidden tumors that might not be revealed during traditional prostate biopsies. Since the micro-ultrasound device is specifically designed for prostate research and its technology is based on perfect visualization, “Fusion” biopsy, by combining MRI and micro-ultrasound data, offers a completely new level of resolution, ensuring:
- Highly accurate differentiation of suspicious tissue
- Highly accurate visualization of suspicious regions
- Precision targeting of suspicious areas
- Real-time performance of the targeted biopsy
Fusion Biopsy
Using this unique method, we can perform targeted biopsies on suspicious areas, avoiding unnecessary “blind” biopsies and providing a 100% diagnosis of prostate cancer, even in its early stages.
The article was published in 2021.
