Optimizing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy and prostate cancer grading accuracy

To assess the most efficient biopsy method to improve International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group accuracy with final pathology of the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen in the era of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-driven pathway.

A total of 753 patients diagnosed by transrectal MRI-targeted and systematic biopsies (namely "standard method"), treated by RP, between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated. Biopsy methods included MRI-targeted biopsy, side-specific systematic biopsies relative to index MRI lesion and combination of both. Number of MRI-targeted biopsy cores and positive cores needed per index MRI lesion were assessed. Multivariable analysis was performed to analyze predictive factors of upgrading using MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies method.

Overall, ISUP grade group accuracy varied among biopsy methods with upgrading rate of 35%, 49%, 27%, and 24% for MRI targeted, systematic, MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies and standard methods, respectively (p < 0.001). A minimum of two positive MRI-targeted biopsies cores per index MRI lesion were required when testing MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies method to reach equivalent accuracy compared to standard method. Omitting contralateral systematic biopsies spared an average of 5.9 cores per patient. At multivariable analysis, only the number of positive MRI-targeted biopsy cores per index MRI lesion was predictive of upgrading.

MRI targeted and ipsilateral systematic biopsies allowed an accurate definition of ISUP grade group and appears to be an interesting alternative when compared with standard method, reducing total number of biopsy cores needed.