Marlborough – UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital July 21 announced that a new prostate cancer detection technology is now available at the hospital. Targeted magnetic resonance (MRI)/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsies have been recently performed by Bhalchandra Parulkar, MD, a urologist who is a member of the hospital’s active medical staff.
“It is exciting to be able to offer this cutting edge technology locally to residents of the Metrowest and central Massachusetts region,” he said. “MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsies provide patients with a much less invasive option in instances that prostate cancer may be suspected. The technology identifies a more targeted area of the prostate to biopsy, thus reducing the number of biopsies performed. This is a much less invasive procedure for the patient and is a better option for a patient who may have other health issues. It also may decrease having additional future biopsies performed.”
MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy combines Multiparametric MRI imaging with “live” ultrasound images of the patient’s prostate. Prior to the biopsy, a patient has a specialized multiparametric MRI that is read by a radiologist who identifies and marks suspicious areas. During the actual biopsy, an ultrasound is done and the marked MRI image is “fused” with the live ultrasound imaging. This provides the urologist with an incredibly detailed image and a much more precise area to insert the biopsy needles. Traditionally, prostate cancer biopsies have been performed by random sampling of the entire prostate using a sextant biopsy technique.
The Multiparametric MRI was done using the state of the art 3T MRI scan in Shields MRI at UMass Memorial Worcester. This latest generation MRI is only available in the Worcester and Cape Cod facilities.
Stephen Cooper of Hudson was the first patient in this region to have the MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy procedure performed.
“I have had to have biopsies two other times previously with over 18 biopsies each time. The first time I was not sedated and it was a very uncomfortable and painful procedure,” he said. “With the new targeted technology, only six biopsies were necessary and it was a totally different experience with minimal discomfort.”
“We are pleased to be the first hospital in the area to offer this technology,” said Steve Roach, president and CEO. Having the ability to provide state-of-the-art technology and to diagnose and treat patients in a community hospital provides convenience and comfort, not only for the patient but to the family also. We are proud to have Dr. Parulkar as well as many other highly trained clinicians on the medical staff.”
