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Biopsy v non-Biopsy: Can you be diagnosed without a biopsy?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Apr 28 8:21am | Replies (82)Comment receiving replies
Just watched this February 28, 2026 ASPI webinar with Prof. Mark Emberton (University College London) entitled "Prostate Biopsy: The Beginning of the End?"
Shockingly, only 35% of men receive a mpMRI before a biopsy in the US and in some rural locations the percentage is much lower.
Prof. Emberton goes into detail regarding the latest findings and concerns with prostate biopsies.
The UK is way beyond what is unfortunately being practiced in the US. As research and observations being learned in the latest studies become more well known by men in the US, our medical urological establishment will be forced to change.
Interestingly, Professor Emberton uses NO biomarkers (other than PSA) but relies on advancements in MRI scanning, to monitor MRI visible lesions. Most US urologists, unfortunately, jump to the biopsy, when it is now known to have many inherent inaccuracies. Professor Emberton does a great job describing a few of problems with biopsies in this video, based on the latest research. It will be interesting to see where this will all lead in another 5 years....for folks on AS....stay tuned...
Meanwhile, every man needs to be doing his own research and taking action, if they are concerned with the status quo regarding standard prostate biopsy practice in the US.
Replies to "Just watched this February 28, 2026 ASPI webinar with Prof. Mark Emberton (University College London) entitled..."
A large 2023 study, in the case of breast cancer for women, indicated a 28% higher risk of breast cancer-specific mortality for those women who underwent core needle biopsy, as compared to vacuum-assisted biopsy. So there is evidence of issues with biopsies.
Unfortunately, comparative studies with men and PCa have not been done.
Professor Emberton plans on conducting such research, but (as you might imagine) there’s not a lot of funding available, from the medical establishment, for such.
To be clear, Professor Emberton is NOT against prostate biopsy; his research, practice and POV is that this procedure should be made as rare as possible AND he has demonstrated and continues to research alternative noninvasive MRI based tests to monitor PCa progression.
This is a huge issue for those of us on active surveillance with low risk PCa.
No one wants to be looking at biopsies every year or two for the rest of their lives.
With a full 60%+ of all newly PCa diagnosed men choosing AS this is a major issue.
The demand for something other than biopsy, for men on AS is growing; especially by those like myself who fully understand what is at stake.
The next 5 years of research into viable alternatives to biopsies will be transformative.
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@handera
Wow. Thanks. Excellent.
When I lived in Palm Springs, CA a company was running a commercial claiming they could diagnose and treat PC without invasive biopsies. I couldnt go to them because they don’t treat Veterans through the VA. So, I know it’s out there!