Limitations of a contemporary prostate biopsy: the blind march forward

Abstract

In an attempt to reduce morbidity, focal targeted therapies and active surveillance have become increasingly popular treatment choices for localized prostate cancer. However, these modalities rely heavily on accurate and reliable tumor localization information provided by a prostate biopsy. Evidence that our contemporary biopsy techniques can do little more than detect some prostate cancers is notably lacking. What is meant by the accuracy and reliability of a prostate biopsy and why they are such important concepts to focal therapy and active surveillance are discussed.

Conflict of interest statement

Relevant Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Advisory Board for Envisioneering Medical Technologies; Relevant research grant support from Beckman Coulter, Inc

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