Prostate cancer has become the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. According to national cancer registry statistics, prostate cancer accounted for the highest proportion of newly diagnosed cancers among men in 2023. This trend is believed to be influenced by several factors, including population aging, changes in dietary habits, and the expansion of routine health screenings.
One of the major challenges is that prostate cancer often shows few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms such as urinary discomfort or pain appear, the disease may already be at an advanced stage in some patients. For this reason, early detection through accurate biopsy plays a crucial role in diagnosing prostate cancer.
Traditional prostate biopsy methods are generally performed using ultrasound imaging alone. In this approach, approximately 12 tissue samples are taken randomly from different areas of the prostate. Although this method is relatively simple, it carries the risk of missing the actual cancerous lesion. Cancers located deep within the prostate or small tumors can be particularly difficult to detect with random sampling. As a result, patients may require repeat biopsies, and unnecessary tissue sampling may lead to complications such as pain, bleeding, or infection.
To address these limitations, a newer technique known as MR fusion targeted biopsy has been introduced. This method combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ultrasound imaging. First, high-resolution MRI is used to identify suspicious lesions within the prostate with greater precision. On the day of the procedure, real-time ultrasound images are then fused with the previously obtained MRI images to accurately match the location of the suspected lesion.
This technique involves more than simply overlaying two images. AI-based auto-calibration technology is used to align the coordinates of the MRI and ultrasound images in real time. As a result, the lesion identified on MRI is directly projected onto the ultrasound display. This allows physicians to visually locate areas that would otherwise be difficult to detect and perform targeted tissue sampling with greater accuracy.
In addition, systems such as the S-Fusion™ platform incorporate advanced functions that further improve diagnostic precision. The system automatically segments the prostate and uses artificial intelligence to correct for subtle movements or deformation of the gland that may occur during the biopsy procedure. Because the prostate can change shape due to pressure, breathing, or probe positioning, these adjustments are essential to ensure that MRI and ultrasound images remain properly aligned. AI analyzes these changes, reconstructs the prostate in three dimensions, and precisely guides the spatial location of suspicious lesions.
These technological advances have led to improved clinical outcomes. Studies have reported that MR fusion targeted biopsy can reduce diagnostic errors by up to approximately 60 percent compared with conventional random biopsy. Detection rates have also significantly improved, increasing from roughly 25–35 percent with traditional methods to more than 70 percent. In particular, this technique demonstrates higher accuracy in detecting high-grade prostate cancer, which can play an important role in determining treatment strategies at an earlier stage.
Dr. Kim Jaewoong of the Gangnam branch of Goldman Urology Clinic explained that the prognosis of prostate cancer varies greatly depending on when the disease is detected. When discovered at a localized stage, the five-year survival rate is generally very high. However, once metastasis occurs, treatment strategies become more complex and quality of life may be affected. He emphasized that men with elevated PSA levels, a family history of prostate cancer, or those entering middle age should undergo regular screening. In addition, if a biopsy is recommended, it is important to confirm whether the procedure uses a precise and targeted technique that can improve diagnostic accuracy.