Our Hospital Successfully Performs Wuwei’s First MRI-Ultrasound Fusion-Targeted Prostate Biopsy to Advance Precision Diagnosis of Prostate Tumors

With the continuous aging of China's population, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasingly rising. The diagnosis of prostate cancer differs slightly from other tumors, as patients typically seek medical attention due to elevated PSA levels detected in blood tests, abnormal imaging findings, or irregularities identified during digital rectal examinations. Compared to developed countries such as those in Europe and America, the majority of prostate cancer patients in China are diagnosed at an advanced or late stage. Given the significant difference in treatment outcomes between early and late stages of prostate cancer, early diagnosis is undoubtedly of paramount importance. However, confirming a prostate cancer diagnosis requires a prostate biopsy, which currently serves as the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.

MRI can detect most prostate tumors, but it is currently very inconvenient for guiding biopsy needle placement. Prostate biopsies are now primarily performed under color Doppler ultrasound guidance via transrectal or transperineal approaches, including systematic and targeted biopsies. However, ultrasound examination has certain limitations, such as low sensitivity for prostate tumors, making it difficult to accurately locate lesions. Additionally, the positive biopsy rate is relatively low, which can easily lead to missed diagnoses.

To address this challenge, the urology department at our hospital utilizes the latest magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy technology (MRI-US fusion biopsy). This approach combines the precision of MRI with the real-time capabilities of color Doppler ultrasound, significantly enhancing the accuracy of prostate biopsies.

On August 27, 2025, the team led by Director Tang Juntian from the Urology Department of our hospital, with the assistance of Director Wang Shipeng from the Ultrasound Department, successfully performed the first prostate MRI-US fusion targeted biopsy in Wuwei City. This technology is currently available only in a few provincial-level hospitals within Gansu Province. The implementation of this technique not only marks another advancement in the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of our hospital's Urology Department but also provides more precise medical services for the patients in Wuwei City.

According to Director Tang Juntian, MRI-US fusion biopsy is currently the most advanced, safe, and reliable prostate biopsy technique. Its principle involves storing prostate MRI imaging data in specialized equipment and using fusion software to integrate the stored MRI data with real-time intraoperative ultrasound. This approach leverages the precise localization advantages of prostate MRI while combining it with real-time ultrasound imaging, thereby meeting the requirements for locating and tracking prostate lesion areas. This new technology enhances the ability to intraoperatively pinpoint prostate lesions, achieving greater precision in prostate cancer biopsies. With technological advancements and continuous improvements in biopsy equipment, MRI-US fusion-guided targeted prostate biopsy is expected to significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, becoming the mainstream method for prostate biopsies. As technology evolves, PSMA-PET-CT ultrasound fusion technology will also be gradually implemented in our department. The application of these technologies can provide more accurate diagnostic and therapeutic services for prostate cancer patients at our hospital who require heavy ion therapy.

Preliminary Review: Liu Wenyu

Final Review: Zhang Jie