If your PSA is elevated and your MRI is normal you may not need a biopsy.
If your PSA is high, the next step is to obtain an accurate, detailed image of what’s going on in the prostate gland. Dr. Sperling brings his extensive knowledge from his years as Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, where he was one of the first in the nation to implement multiparametric MRI to detect prostate cancer. The Sperling Diagnostic Center’s proprietary 3T Multi-Parametric MRI – BlueLaser™ provides the most accurate imaging available of the prostate gland. If our protocol rules out cancer, it gives peace of mind and avoids additional—and potentially harmful—testing.
Us TOO International, the largest prostate cancer information and support organization, states, “Us TOO believes that the earlier the disease is detected, the more easily and effectively it can be treated.” In addition to having the most advanced magnet available, Dr. Sperling and our team are the world’s leading experts in interpreting prostate mpMRI.
What is 3T mpMRI?
Experts agree that MRI is the “most sensitive imaging technique in relation to other imaging technologies at this time.” (Verma & Rajesh, 2011) Scans on our state-of-the-art 3 Tesla (3T) magnet reveal much more than basic prostate anatomy, enabling visual definition of even small prostate cancer tumors:
- Diseased tissue shows up as anatomical differences (T2 weighted imaging)
- The movement of water molecules in tumor cells vs. normal cells (diffusion weighted imaging or DWI)
- The presence of certain chemicals (metabolites) in tumor cells vs. normal cells (spectroscopy or MRI-S)
- Changes in the uptake and washout of contrast agents, another way to characterize cancer cells (dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging or DCE)
In addition, our powerful magnet significantly reduces imaging time while providing very high resolution images of tumors.
Before biopsy, you should have 3T Multi-Parametric MRI – BlueLaser™ if:
- You have an elevated or rising PSA
- You were treated for a prostate infection or inflammation but your PSA is still high
- You are on Active Surveillance
- You have been treated for prostate cancer but your PSA is not decreasing
- You have a rising PSA after treatment
- You are in a high risk category to develop prostate cancer (genetic or environmental factors)
- You have not had a PSA test but you have unusual urinary symptoms
mpMRI-Guided Biopsy
3T Multi-Parametric MRI – BlueLaser™ has the ability to detecting the location, size and shape of any suspicious area(s) with unparalleled accuracy. mpMRI-guided biopsy has been shown in international research studies to outperform conventional biopsies while being less invasive and risky for the patient. Learn more.
mpMRI-Guided Treatment Options
If prostate cancer is diagnosed as the result of a biopsy, Dr. Sperling can help the patient decide if he is a candidate for MRI-guided focal laser ablation. This targeted treatment for qualified patients offers excellent cancer control with minimal-to-no risk of urinary or sexual side effects.
Van de Ven WJM and Barentsz JO. MRI/US-guided biopsy—a viable alternative to TRUS-guidance. Nat Rev Urol 2013;10:559-560.
