New Technology Detects Prostate Cancer More Accurately

Most cases of prostate cancer in America occur in men over the age of 65, however, it has been increasingly diagnosed in men in their 50s and sometimes even younger than 40. With over 160,000 new cases of prostate cancer reported in 2018 alone, the need for accurate diagnoses is more crucial than ever.

Thanks to new UroNavigation Fusion Biopsy technology, Saint Agnes physicians are able to examine specific portions of the prostate that would not have been possible with traditional ultrasound technology.

“Fusing MRI data with ultrasound imaging gives physicians a live view of the prostate during examination,” says Saint Agnes Urologist Christopher Julian, MD. “With UroNav technology, we can conduct more comprehensive scans of the prostate and make targeted biopsies with better success of removing malignant tissue.”

In the past, only ultrasound technology was used to scan the back of the prostate gland. Without the visual guidance of an MRI, large portions of the prostate were often missed because doctors were fearful of damaging nearby organs.

Saint Agnes is the first hospital in the Valley to use UroNav for prostate examinations, and within the first month, Dr. Julian alone has performed seven prostate exams using the new technology.

“It is remarkable in that patients who have been tested before and showed minimal signs of cancer get different results with UroNav, which is significant in changing their outcome,” Dr. Julian says.

Fresno Real Estate Agent Robert Wiser is one such patient. After receiving his PSA test results, indicating the probability that there were cancerous cells in his prostate, Robert was advised to wait and see if the situation worsened before taking any action.

While not an uncommon approach based on his PSA level, Robert decided to seek further consult.

After discussing his options with Dr. Julian, the pair decided to move forward with a full prostate exam, making Robert the Central Valley’s first UroNav patient.

It proved to be the right decision, revealing areas of the prostate that needed immediate action.

“They were really able to pin point problems in what was supposed to be a ‘wait-and-see’ situation,” Robert says. “Dr. Julian showed me that there were concentrated cells in the biopsy that showed action was necessary even though my PSA score showed a ‘wait’ attitude.”

The UroNav procedure lasts about 30 minutes and patients are able to return home the same day with minimal side effects. Dr. Julian and his team work hard to make sure patients feel safe during and after their procedures.

“Whenever I’ve been to Saint Agnes, the care and handling are always incredible,” Robert says. “They put me at ease and I was made very comfortable and I felt no discomfort afterward.”

Without the accuracy of the UroNav procedure, Robert’s situation would have worsened without his knowledge. The decision to go forward with the exam likely saved his life.

“Mr. Wiser’s MRI showed an area of suspicion that would not have appeared on the digital exam,” Dr. Julian says.

Robert and Dr. Julian both encourage those who suspect they have prostate cancer to insist on PSA tests from their primary care physicians.

“People’s lives could be saved by these tests,” Robert says.

“Though getting a PSA test is only the first step in prostate examination, it helps provide baseline data for physicians to begin creating an appropriate action plan for the patient,” Dr. Julian explains.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide this valuable service to patients in the Central Valley and hope to continue using the technology to help achieve more accurate diagnoses.”