A man in his 60s, who had generally maintained good health, recently began experiencing urinary frequency and a persistent sensation of incomplete emptying. At first, he assumed these symptoms were a natural part of aging. However, as they gradually worsened and began to interfere with daily life, he sought medical evaluation. Test results suggested a possible risk of prostate cancer, and he was advised that a more precise biopsy would be necessary.
The incidence of prostate cancer among Korean men has been steadily increasing. According to national healthcare data, the number of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (ICD code C61) has more than doubled over the past decade, reaching approximately 130,000 cases in 2023. Westernized dietary habits and increased life expectancy are considered major contributing factors. Notably, prostate cancer in Korean men tends to present with higher aggressiveness compared to Western populations, highlighting the importance of early detection.
Prostate cancer often does not produce noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making early diagnosis challenging. However, when detected early, the cure rate can be as high as 95%. A prostate biopsy is the most definitive diagnostic tool. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is commonly used as an initial screening method, elevated PSA levels can also occur in benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. Therefore, when more precise evaluation is required, a biopsy becomes essential.
Traditional prostate biopsy methods typically involve ultrasound-guided random sampling of 12 tissue cores. This approach has limitations, including relatively low diagnostic accuracy, higher rates of repeat biopsy, and patient discomfort. Even when MRI data is available, real-time alignment with ultrasound can be challenging, reducing diagnostic efficiency.
To address these limitations, MR fusion prostate biopsy has been developed. This technique combines real-time ultrasound imaging with MRI data to accurately target suspicious lesions within the prostate. Advanced systems such as S-Fusion™ incorporate AI-based automatic correction and enable three-dimensional targeting, significantly improving diagnostic precision while minimizing patient discomfort.
Compared to conventional biopsy, MR fusion biopsy offers several important advantages. While traditional methods have a detection rate of approximately 25–35%, MR fusion biopsy achieves a detection rate of around 71.4%. It also reduces the likelihood of requiring repeat biopsies, as more accurate targeting increases the chances of diagnosis in a single session. In many clinical settings, pain is minimized through sedation or anesthesia, further improving patient experience.
Multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of MR fusion biopsy. It has been shown to reduce diagnostic errors by up to 60% and more than double detection rates. The technique is particularly valuable in patients who have previously undergone biopsy, as well as in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer, including high-grade tumors (Gleason score ≥ 7).
MR fusion prostate biopsy is recommended in several situations. These include persistently elevated PSA levels, the need for more precise evaluation comparable to tertiary care centers, repeat biopsies following prior negative results, or cases requiring rapid and accurate diagnosis.
One of the most common concerns among patients is pain and recovery time. With appropriate anesthesia, discomfort during the procedure is minimal, and most patients are able to return home the same day. If MRI images are prepared in advance, the entire process—from scheduling to receiving results—can often be completed efficiently in a streamlined, one-stop system.
Early detection is critical in prostate cancer management. As the incidence continues to rise, proactive screening and timely diagnosis are essential for improving outcomes. MR fusion prostate biopsy represents a highly effective diagnostic option, enabling accurate detection and facilitating early treatment. Ultimately, early diagnosis is the first step toward preserving long-term health and quality of life.