Targeted augmented reality-guided transperineal prostate biopsies study: initial experience

Transperineal biopsy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected prostate lesions is now the established technique used in prostate cancer (CaP) diagnostics. Virtual Surgery Intelligence (VSI) Holomedicine by Apoqlar (Hamburg, Germany) is a mixed reality (MR)/augmented reality (AR) software platform that runs on the HoloLens II system (Microsoft, Redford, USA). Multiparametric prostate MRI images were converted into 3D holograms and added into a MR space, enabling visualization of a 3D hologram and image-assisted prostate biopsy.

The Targeted Augmented Reality-GuidEd Transperineal (TARGET) study investigated the feasibility of performing AR-guided prostate biopsies in a MR framework, using the VSI platform in patients with MRI-detected prostate lesions.

Ten patients with a clinical suspicion of CaP on MRI (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System, PI-RADS 4/5) were uploaded to the VSI HoloLens system. Two MR/AR-guided prostate biopsies were then acquired using the PrecisionPoint Freehand transperineal biopsy system. Cognitive fusion biopsies were performed as standard of care following the MR/AR-guided prostate biopsies.

All 10 patients successfully underwent MR/AR-guided prostate biopsy after 3D MR images were overlaid on the patient's body. Prostatic tissue was obtained in all MR/AR-guided specimens. Seven patients (70%) had matching histology in both the standard and MR/AR-guided biopsies. The remaining three had ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) Grade 2 CaP. There were no immediate complications.

We believe this is a world first. The initial feasibility data from the TARGET study demonstrated that an MR/AR-guided prostate biopsy utilizing the VSI Holomedicine system is a viable option in CaP diagnostics. The next stage in development is to combine AR images with real-time needle insertion and to provide further data to formally appraise the sensitivity and specificity of the technique.