Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking
Published on: October 10, 2019
Reliability of Serial Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Prostate Cancer Progression During Active
Pawel Rajwa1, Benjamin Pradere2, Fahad Quhal3
1Department of Urology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Urology, Medical University of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland.
Context:
Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is broadly implemented into active surveillance (AS) protocols, data on the reliability of serial MRI in order to help guide follow-up biopsy are inconclusive.
Objective:
To assess the diagnostic estimates of serial prostate MRI for prostate cancer (PCa) progression during AS.
Evidence Acquisition:
We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to select studies analyzing the association between changes on serial prostate MRI and PCa progression during AS. We included studies that provided data for MRI progression, which allowed us to calculate diagnostic estimates. We compared Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) accuracy with institution-specific definitions.
Evidence Synthesis:
We included 15 studies with 2240 patients. Six used PRECISE criteria and nine institution-specific definitions of MRI progression. The pooled PCa progression rate, which included histological progression to Gleason grade ≥2, was 27%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.59 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-0.73) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.66-0.84) respectively. There was significant heterogeneity between included studies. Depending on PCa progression prevalence, the pooled negative predictive value for serial prostate MRI ranged from 0.81 (95% CI 0.73-0.88) to 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.93) and the pooled positive predictive value ranged from 0.37 (95% CI 0.24-0.54) to 0.50 (95% CI 0.36-0.66). There were no significant differences in the pooled sensitivity (p = 0.37) and specificity (p = 0.74) of PRECISE and institution-specific schemes.
Conclusions:
Serial MRI still should not be considered a sole factor for excluding PCa progression during AS, and changes on MRI are not accurate enough to indicate PCa progression. There was a nonsignificant trend toward improved diagnostic estimates of PRECISE recommendations. These findings highlight the need to further define the optimal triggers and timing of biopsy during AS, as well as the need for optimizing the quality, interpretation, and reporting of serial prostate MRI.
Patient Summary:
Our study suggests that serial prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alone in patients on active surveillance is not accurate enough to reliably rule out or rule in prostate cancer progression. Other clinical factors and biomarkers along with serial MRI are required to safely tailor the intensity of follow-up biopsies.
Insights
Serial prostate MRI alone is not reliable for detecting prostate cancer progression in active surveillance. Changes on MRI are insufficient to guide biopsies, necessitating integration with other clinical factors.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is integral to active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa).
- However, the reliability of serial MRI in guiding follow-up biopsies remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serial prostate MRI for detecting PCa progression during AS.
- To compare the effectiveness of the PRECISE criteria versus institution-specific definitions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Inclusion of 15 studies (2240 patients) analyzing serial MRI changes and PCa progression.
- Calculation of pooled sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV, comparing PRECISE with institution-specific criteria.
Main Results:
- Pooled PCa progression rate was 27%.
- Overall sensitivity was 0.59 and specificity was 0.75.
- No significant difference in diagnostic estimates between PRECISE and institution-specific schemes; NPV ranged from 0.81-0.88, PPV from 0.37-0.50.
Conclusions:
- Serial MRI alone is insufficient to exclude PCa progression in AS.
- Changes on MRI lack the accuracy to definitively indicate PCa progression.
- Further research is needed to optimize MRI protocols and biopsy triggers in AS.
