[Implication of two additional lateral peripheral zone biopsy in the detection of prostate cancer]

Despite the strenuous efforts in improving detection of prostate cancer, no standard technique for prostatic biopsy has been established to date. Extended tissue sampling in peripheral zone may possibly lead to enhanced prostate cancer detection.

Four hundred thirty-three candidates for ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsy were alternately assigned to two groups regarding biopsy techniques between January 1997 and June 1998, Group A, sextant biopsy group and Group B, two additional lateral peripheral zone sampling after standard sextant biopsy. The outcomes of prostatic biopsy were compared.

Cancer detection rates were 19.2% (43/217) in Group A and 18.5% (40/216) in Group B. No statistically significant difference was noted (p > 0.05). Clinical stage, Gleason score and the presence of metastasis did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). The incidence and duration of hematuria, hematospermia were essentially the same between groups (p > 0.05). High fever due to possible bacteremia developed only in Group B patients (p = 0.04).

Routine use of additional peripheral zone biopsy is not recommended owing to the equivalent cancer detection rates between groups. The application of additional biopsy should be determined carefully since this may lead to increased incidence of serious complications.