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Real-world use of MRI for risk stratification prior to prostate biopsy

Abstract

Background

The utilization of MRI to risk stratify elevated PSA prior to prostate biopsy has been inconsistently adopted and varies considerably by practice setting. This study aims to evaluate the usage and performance of MRI as an advanced risk stratification tool of elevated PSA prior to biopsy and identify factors associated with differential utilization of MRI at a large academic setting with ready access to 3T multiparametric MRI of the prostate.

Methods

A retrospective single-center study of 2900 men presenting with elevated PSA 2–20 ng/mL from 2018 through 2021 was conducted. We analyzed trends in MRI utilization and outcomes of prostate biopsy by MRI usage. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to calculate odds ratios to identify patient- and provider-level predictors of MRI usage.

Results

Rates of prebiopsy MRI utilization increased from 56% in 2018 to 89% in 2021 (p < 0.001). Prebiopsy MRI led to biopsy avoidance in 31% of men. MRI usage enhanced detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by 13% and reduced identification of Gleason Grade Group 1 disease by 3% and negative biopsies by 10% (p < 0.001). Men who received MRI were more likely to be younger than 75 years in age and have private or Medicare insurance, PSA >4 ng/mL, and PHI >27. In both univariate and multivariate analysis, black race and Medicaid insurance were associated with reduced MRI utilization (all p < 0.001). Urologic provider was an independent predictor of MRI usage (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Use of MRI as a risk stratification tool for elevated PSA rose during this 4-year study period. Men who self-identify as black or men with Medicaid coverage have diminished rates of MRI usage. Considerable provider-level variability in MRI use was observed. Future research aimed at identifying factors affecting implementation of MRI as a routine risk assessment tool is warranted.

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Fig. 1: Trends in advanced testing (by year).
Fig. 2: Histologic outcomes by MRI status.
Fig. 3: Provider-level variability by advanced testing type.

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Data availability

All data are included in the manuscript and/or the Supplementary material. De-identified data can be shared upon request.

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Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Contributions

MRS led the study from conception to completion and prepared the manuscript. BA, PVS, JAA, and EVL assisted in data clean-up and manuscript preparation. JMR and AKM helped with data clean-up as well. SASM, M-KK, and QM helped with data processing. XM provided biostats assistance. EMS and AER are senior authors who guided all of the aforementioned processes from study conception to its completion.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammad R. Siddiqui.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Siddiqui, M.R., Ansbro, B., Shah, P.V. et al. Real-world use of MRI for risk stratification prior to prostate biopsy. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 26, 353–359 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41391-022-00543-4

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