NICE recommends new diagnostic devices for men with suspected prostate cancer

pharmafile | February 15, 2022 | News story | Medical Communications  

NICE have recommended four new diagnostic devices for men with suspected prostate cancer, which reduce the chances of biopsy related sepsis.

The new diagnostics guidance looks at local anaesthetic transperineal (LATP) prostate biopsy, using the freehand needle positioning devices PrecisionPoint, EZU-PA3U device, Trinity Perine Grid, and UA1232 puncture attachment, which are recommended as options for helping to diagnose prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. It mainly affects people over 50, and the risk if heightened for those of African family background, and people with a family history of prostate cancer.

Currently, NICE guidance recommends offering patients with suspected clinically localised prostate cancer a multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation. If prostate cancer is still suspected based on the MRI image, a prostate biopsy is offered so that samples of the prostate can be collected for analysis.

Dr Mark Kroese, chair of the NICE diagnostics advisory committee, said: “People with suspected prostate cancer can now have a different option when it comes to having a biopsy. The committee heard from patient experts that there are concerns they are not getting clear and accurate information about having a biopsy, they are worried about an associated risk of infection, and the severity and duration of side effects.

“LATP using a freehand needle positioning device for taking a prostate biopsy should reduce unnecessary infections and therefore antibiotic use, benefitting both the patient and the NHS.”

Lina Adams

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