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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy
Published on: April 9, 2019
Concordance Between MRI Findings and Targeted Biopsy for Local Recurrence Following Radical Prostatectomy
Sean A Fletcher1, Brittney H Cotta2, Emily A Vertosick3
1Department of Surgery (Urology Service), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
Urology
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) helps detect prostate bed recurrences after prostatectomy (RP). High suspicion MRI lesions correlate with biopsy-confirmed cancer, guiding treatment decisions for salvage radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate cancer recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP) can occur in the prostate bed.
- Accurate detection of recurrent prostate cancer is crucial for effective treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate biopsy outcomes for suspicious prostate bed lesions detected by MRI after RP.
- To understand the correlation between MRI suspicion levels and biopsy-confirmed viable cancer.
Main Methods:
- Patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP underwent MRI-targeted biopsy of suspected prostate bed lesions.
- A 5-point index score graded MRI suspicion for recurrence.
- Biopsy results served as the reference standard.
Main Results:
- 55% of targeted biopsies confirmed recurrent prostate cancer.
- Higher MRI suspicion scores significantly correlated with positive biopsy results (p=0.003).
- Androgen deprivation therapy prior to biopsy was associated with positive results (p=0.022).
Conclusions:
- MRI is effective in detecting prostate bed recurrences.
- High-suspicion MRI lesions are likely to be viable cancer on biopsy.
- Confirmatory biopsy is recommended for suspected recurrences, especially for patients eligible for salvage radiotherapy.
