Changes in prostate cancer detection rate of fusion versus systematic biopsy over time: A single center experience.
15 Background: To determine the effect of learning curves and changes in fusion platform during 9 years of NCI’s experience with multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)/TRUS fusion biopsy. Methods: A review was performed of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing mpMRI followed by fusion biopsy (Fbx) and systematic biopsy (Sbx) from 2007−2016. The patients were stratified based on the timing of first biopsy in 3 groups. Cohort 1 included patients biopsied between 7/2007−12/2010, accounting for learning curve at our institution. Cohort 2 included patients biopsied from 1/2011 up to the debut of UroNav (Invivo) platform in 5/2013. Cohort 3 included patients biopsied after 5/2013. Clinically significant (CS) disease was defined as Gleason 7 (3+4) or higher. Cancer detection rates (CDR) between Sbx and Fbx during different time periods were compared using McNemar’s test. Age and PSA standardized CDRs were calculated for comparison between 3 cohorts. Results: 1528 patients were included in the study with 219, 549 and 761 patients included in 3 respective cohorts. Mean age, PSA and race distribution were similar across 3 cohorts. In cohort 1 there was no significant difference between CDR of CS disease by Fbx (24.7%) vs Sbx (21.5%), p = 0.377. Fbx was significantly better than Sbx in detection of CS disease in cohort 2 and cohort 3 (31.5% vs 25.3%, p = 0.001; 36.5% vs 30.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). There was significant decline in detection of low risk disease by Fbx compared to Sbx in the same period (cohort 2: 14.2% vs 20.9%, p < 0.001; cohort 3: 12.5% vs 19.5%, p < 0.001). Age and PSA standardized CDR of CS cancer by Fbx increased significantly between each successive cohort (cohort 1 and 2: 5.2%, 95% CI [2.1-8.5]), 2 and 3 (5.2%, 95% CI [1.8-8.6]). Conclusions: Our results show that after an early learning period using Fbx, CS prostate cancer was detected at significantly higher rates with Fbx than with Sbx, and low risk disease was detected at lower rates. Advances in software allowed for even greater detection of CS disease in the last cohort. This study shows that accuracy of Fbx is dependent on multiple factors; surgeon/radiologist experience and software improvements together produce improved accuracy.