Maine Medical Center and the prostate cancer specialists at Maine Medical Partners – Urology offer the latest technology in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. It combines images from magnetic resonance (MR) with ultrasound (US) to identify and precisely target the tissue that is to be biopsied for testing.

With improved accuracy of biopsies, there may be fewer tissue samples required, and thus lower risk of infection, bleeding, pain, and recovery time.

Traditional tests for prostate cancer include:

• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
• If PSA or DRE is abnormal, a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy is recommended.

MRI/US-guided fusion biopsies are a new option for patients with a prior negative TRUS biopsy with continued elevated or rising PSA or positive DRE as well as men on active surveillance for prostate cancer.

Patients typically have their MRI images taken within weeks before the biopsy. Radiologists pinpoint the suspicious lesion on the images, using a computer program. The program then combines the MRI images with US images to help the physician target the suspicious tissue with greater accuracy than previously available.

The new technology will aid the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Also, for men with early stage prostate cancer who choose active surveillance, it gives them an additional tool by which to monitor their cancer.