In September, the Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment released a report with results of evaluation different diagnostic techniques for biopsy of prostate. The objective of this work was an assessment of diagnostic effectiveness of biopsies with image fusion (MRI and ultrasound) in comparison to biopsy guided with ultrasound. For this purpose, systematic literature search was performed.
Based on available evidence and expert opinions the technique of software fusion improves the detection of prostate cancer, as well as clinically significant prostate cancer in comparison to prostate biopsies guided by transrectal ultrasound. Thus, prostate biopsy technique with software image fusion may be useful as a first diagnostic option in patients in whom prostatic disease is suspected or as a confirmatory technique in cases in which there is clinical suspicion of prostate cancer despite a result negative in a previous biopsy.
Although the available evidence indicates that prostatic biopsy with software fusion can improve the diagnostic effectiveness of prostate cancer in comparison to the usual method (ultrasound-guided biopsy), there are, nevertheless, important aspects such as experience of the medical staff and the cost-effectiveness ratio that still require evaluation. It was recommended, prior to its possible implementation, to carry out studies that address these aspects and that allow estimating the impact of the implementation of this technique in clinical practice and in the health system.
See full report in Spanish here
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