3T MRI for prostate cancer detection

I have not. But, the biopsy was not a big issue .. not fun but I have had worse dental appts.

The Four Gene Signature Urine Test. This painless urine test can detect PC with 90% accuracy. No biopsy needed...It's been tested in clinical trials, approved by the FDA, licensed to two big labs (Quest & Abbott) to perform commercially...

Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to have this test performed because of backstage haggling and maneuvering...We need to start making some noise about this...An MRI or ultrasound is NOT a reliable tool for diagnosing PC except in advanced cases..

Post Edited (Fairwind) : 8/17/2011 8:45:23 PM (GMT-6)

I'm doing Active Surveillance and I see a doctor who advocates AS and does Color Doppler tests on me regularly and yet he still wants me to have biopsies at certain given dates. He says that there is a 1 in 20 chance that something serious could be missed without a biopsy. Me, I'd chance it, but he doesn't think that's too wise.

Fairwind - do you know of any urology practice in the United States that is using the Four Gene Signature Test commercially (ie, outside of a clinical trial) to diagnose prostate cancer?

A 3T MRI can detect a tumor if it is large enough. It does not replace a biopsy but can identify suspicious areas that can be biopsied. A better use of 3T MRI is staging after cancer is detected to see if it is contained and if surgery is a viable option. It can also be used to monitor those on active survelience to spot any growth in the tumor.
JohnT

Franchot uses Dr Scholz in Marina Del Ray Ca. (Prostate Oncology Specialists) you can google him. He is one of the best prostate oncologists in the US and would be highly recommended for an AS program.

His book "Invasion of the Prostate Snatchers" has a very good section on how to monitor a patient on AS.