Contrast-enhanced colour Doppler-targeted vs a 10-core systematic repeat biopsy strategy in patients with previous...

To compare the results of contrast-enhanced colour Doppler (CECD)-targeted prostate biopsy with a systematic 10-core grey-scale biopsy scheme in patients initially diagnosed with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), as although HGPIN is thought to be a precursor to invasive adenocarcinoma, its diagnosis is no longer considered an indication for repeat prostate biopsy and patients should be followed by prostate-specific antigen levels and a digital rectal examination.

In all, 104 patients (aged 45-78 years) diagnosed with HGPIN on initial prostate needle biopsy were referred for a repeat biopsy within 6 months. Two independent examiners evaluated each patient; one used CECD-targeted biopsy (up to five cores) into hypervascular regions in the peripheral zone only, and subsequently the second took a systematic 10-core grey-scale biopsy. Cancer detection rates of both techniques were compared.

Overall, 26 of the 104 men (25%) had prostate cancer in the repeated biopsy. Using the CECD technique cancer was detected in 21% (22 of 104). The positive re-biopsy rate using the systematic technique was 9.6% (10 of 104; P < 0.001). The total incidence of HGPIN with no evidence of tumour on re-biopsy was 8.7% (nine of 104). The Gleason score in all 22 cancers detected with the CECD technique varied between 6 and 8. The systematic technique detected cancers with Gleason scores of 6 or 7. There were no adverse events or complications.

CECD increased the detection rate of prostate cancer, and using fewer biopsy cores than the systematic biopsy technique in patients previously diagnosed with HGPIN.