Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly after middle age. Because the disease often shows few or no symptoms in its early stages, regular screening and accurate diagnosis are critically important. In this process, a prostate biopsy is a key step for confirming the presence of cancer, and the diagnostic accuracy as well as the burden on the patient can vary significantly depending on the biopsy method used.
Traditionally, prostate biopsies have been performed using ultrasound guidance alone, with tissue samples taken randomly from multiple areas of the prostate. However, this random biopsy approach carries the risk of missing actual cancer lesions. As a result, patients may require repeat biopsies, and unnecessary tissue sampling can increase discomfort and procedural burden.
To overcome these limitations, MR fusion–guided targeted biopsy has recently been introduced. This technique combines MRI images obtained in advance with real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely target suspicious lesions identified on MRI. During the procedure, AI-based automatic calibration technology aligns the MRI lesion location with the ultrasound image in real time. Instead of sampling tissue randomly from 12 locations, the biopsy needle is directed toward the actual suspicious area, significantly improving the likelihood of detecting cancers that are small or located deep within the prostate.
Another strength of MR fusion biopsy is the use of the S-Fusion™ system, which has been recognized as a new medical technology. This system automatically segments the prostate and uses artificial intelligence to correct for deformation that can occur during ultrasound examination. As a result, the prostate can be reconstructed in three dimensions with high precision, allowing clinicians to identify lesion locations spatially and accurately. These technological advantages are reflected in clinical outcomes. Studies have reported that MR fusion–guided targeted biopsy can reduce diagnostic errors by up to approximately 60 percent compared with conventional random biopsy.
Clinical performance data also demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. While the detection rate of prostate cancer with conventional biopsy methods has been reported at approximately 25–35 percent, MR fusion–guided targeted biopsy has shown a diagnostic rate of about 71.4 percent, more than doubling the accuracy. The technique is particularly effective in identifying higher-risk prostate cancers, helping reduce unnecessary follow-up monitoring and repeat biopsy procedures.
Dr. Kim Jae-woong of Goldman Urology Clinic Gangnam Branch explained that prostate cancer is a disease in which treatment outcomes and quality of life can vary greatly depending on when it is detected and how it is diagnosed. He noted that MR fusion–guided targeted biopsy, which focuses on precise targeting rather than random sampling, is increasingly becoming a new standard in prostate cancer diagnosis. He added that if prostate cancer is suspected or if PSA levels are elevated, undergoing a more precise biopsy can play a crucial role in early diagnosis and in establishing an appropriate treatment plan.