Two part magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is just as effective at diagnosing prostate cancer as the UK standard three part scan and is almost half the price, a study shows.1
The researchers said their results could pave the way for a new standard of care in the UK, at a time when prostate cancer diagnosis tools are being assessed as part of a multimillion pound research programme back by the government.2
However, independent experts warn that the alternative scanning method could do more harm than good. They argue that it fails to tackle concerns over prostate cancer overdiagnosis—and in a worst case scenario could actually cause an increased cost and burden to health systems.
What did the study find?
Funded by the John Black Charitable Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK and conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL), UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Birmingham, the trial was conducted across 22 centres in 12 countries.
All the participants (490 men with clinical suspicion of …
