Mumbai: Maharashtra Gets 1st MR Fusion Prostate Biopsy Machine

In order to improve cancer treatment in Maharashtra, a new MR Fusion Biopsy machine was recently installed at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai. The machine, the only and one of its kind in the state, aims to assist in treating and caring for prostate cancer, which makes up 3 to 7 per cent of all cancers in India, with approximately 33,000-42,000 new cases detected each year.

Everything you need to know and understand regarding MR Fusion biopsy:

The MR Fusion biopsy technology is said to assist in the detection of cancer and enhance the precision of medical reports. Compared to traditional machines with 30% to 40% accuracy, the MR Fusion biopsy equipment stands out with a 90% accuracy rate in detecting early-stage prostate cancers.

The machine provides a blend of MRI-guided biopsy, integrating the initial MRI image with ultrasound technology. It is also observed that artificial intelligence is used in the process to identify the abnormal area, which is the target for biopsy.

What doctors say?

Dr. Santoshi Janardan Nagaonkar, who is the Director of Urology, Urological Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, stated that an MR Fusion prostate biopsy has a higher cancer detection rate and reduces risk factors compared to the standard method.

The doctor, speaking in a press release, stated that there is no chance of rectal bleeding, and it encompasses the entire prostate gland, which is usually inaccessible with the standard method. The biopsy is conducted with the help of an MR Fusion device located at the perineum, situated between the scrotum and anus, instead of through the rectal pathway.

He went on to explain more about the potential for infection after the procedure and assured that there was no need for concern as the MR Fusion biopsy was deemed to be safe. He mentioned that rather than going through the rectal lining to reach the prostate, the biopsy needle should be inserted through the skin to reduce the risk of infection after the procedure to almost zero.

The majority of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancers originate from the gland cells found in the prostate, which are responsible for producing the fluid added to semen.

Additional forms of cancer that may originate in the prostate are:

• Small cell carcinoma, also known as small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
• Other types of neuroendocrine tumors (such as large cell carcinoma)
• Cancer of the transitional cells
• Tumors of connective tissue