The most common cancer in humans, prostate cancer affects 50,000 new patients each year in France. Its diagnosis is based on the realization of various exams, including an MRI. It is precisely in this imagery that scientists of the University College London (UCL), the University College London Hospital (UCLH) and the University of Birmingham were interested.
Towards a faster and less expensive MRI
For this work, they have chosen to study multi -prametric MRI, which includes three sequences, one with an injection of contrast. This is currently the examination carried out in many countries to diagnose the disease.
This technique, although specifies, usually takes 30 to 40 minutes and costs around 247 pounds, in the United Kingdom, or around 280 euros. Without forgetting the necessary presence of a doctor to monitor possible reactions to the injected coloring.
The researchers wanted to compare this examination to the biparametric MRI. It focuses on only two sequences, without injection of contrast. And thus half reduced the duration of the exam, at 15-20 minutes, but also its cost. In addition, the doctor must not be present, the examination carried out without injection of contrast product.
Identical efficiency in half the time
The study focused on 555 patients aged 59 to 70, distributed in 22 hospitals from 12 countries. Each patient has undergone both complete MRI and simplified MRI, with confirmatory biopsy if necessary.
The results are clear: the two techniques have detected the same percentage of significant cancers, or 29%.
According to Professor Veeru Kasivisvathan, principal researcher of the study, “If we can perform MRI in half less time, with less staff and at a lower cost, this will allow each man who needs an exam to have them quickly“.
A potential impact on large -scale screening?
This advance could also have a considerable impact on screening programs. Amy Rylance, assistant director of Prostate Cancer UK, who partially funded the study considers that “Half the cost of the most expensive diagnostic route can make screening profitable and accessible to more men, especially those at high risk“.
This new approach thus promises a simplified course for the diagnosis of the disease. The question of organized prostate cancer screening then arises. This type of screening exists anywhere in the world, for the time being. Could it be created in France, soon? Consulted, Professor Michaël Peyromaure, urologist at Cochin Hospital, remains skeptical. “This study demonstrates that two -female MRI is less expensive, faster and detects cancers as well as multi -rammetric MRI” he begins.
“”But with regard to organized prostate cancer screening, the High Authority for Health believes that the balance of benefits/costs is not in favor of its implementation. Many urologists dispute this, because screening, if properly carried out, would reduce mortality. But the HAS fears overdiagnosis and above, for cancer which is often not very aggressive, finally “.
The approach therefore remains on the initiative of men and must be discussed with the attending physician, to decide whether or not a screening exam (composed today of a rectal touch and a blood test for a dosage of the PSA) is useful or not.