Enhanced Prostate Screening: A New Standard

Enhanced Prostate Screening (EPS): A New Standard in Men’s Health

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that there will be over 313,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2025 (Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer). About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and it’s the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Prostate cancer can be a deadly disease, but most men do not die from it. Advancements in cancer screening have led to a significant decrease in the death rate of prostate cancer.

Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer

There are several methods of screening for prostate cancer. The current standard is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a blood test that checks the levels of a certain protein associated with prostate function. Another test is the prostate cancer urine test, which checks for the PCA3 gene in urine to determine an individual’s relative risk of having prostate cancer (Prostate Cancer: Advancements in Screening).

While these methods are vital in testing for prostate cancer, they may not be the most effective. For example, PSA levels can rise due to other factors such as prostatitis, vigorous exercise, or a recent digital rectal exam (Prostate-Specific Antigen Test). This can result in more false positives. Likewise, the PCA3 urine test is only moderately accurate, meaning both missed cancers and unnecessary repeated biopsies can occur (PCA3 Testing for Prostate Cancer). Because of the limitations with these tests, the most definitive way to diagnose prostate cancer is through a biopsy.

In the past, any patient with a PSA score of 4 or higher would be given a biopsy. This was achieved through the use of small needles inserted into the prostate that collect tissue samples, which were then analyzed. However, one of the limitations of non-guided biopsies is less accurate sampling, which can lead to inconclusive results.

Prostate MRI Technology

With greater advancements in screening technology, doctors can now utilize MRI imaging technology before a biopsy to more accurately find suspicious areas on the prostate. (Prostate MRI). According to Dr. Robert Princenthal, Medical Director of RadNet’s Prostate Program, “we can now provide the same benefits to men as 3D mammography for breast cancer does to women. Prostate MRI can specifically identify suspicious nodules in the gland, safely directing the biopsy into the cancer. Prostate MRI has a very high negative predictive value. Report scores of PI-RADS of 1 or 2 can help avoid unnecessary biopsies for men who simply have an elevated PSA.”

Another advancement in screening technology is the use of artificial intelligence. AI encourages radiologists to focus on specific areas of the prostate by detecting abnormalities with greater sensitivity. This can help lead to improved specificity, more accurate results, and less false positives.

Enhanced Prostate Screening (EPS)

RadNet’s Enhanced Prostate Screening, or EPS, is becoming a vital tool in changing the landscape of prostate care. This exam combines a non-contrast prostate MRI with DeepHealth's FDA cleared, AI-powered prostate solution to deliver early and accurate cancer detection.

Dr. Princenthal says, “the mortality rate of prostate cancer has been stable for a while. National guidelines still consider PSA screening to be controversial. Every week we see men presenting with PSAs of over 50. Frequently these men have metastatic diseases at presentation. The easiest way of reducing mortality by 20% is to have men come in and screen when PSA levels are relatively low and the disease is curable.” Dr. Princenthal believes that mirroring the guidelines used for breast cancer can help get men to screen more frequently and willingly, and to understand that early detection is the best protection.

Why Should You Consider Enhanced Prostate Screening?

All men between the ages of 50 and 85 should consider getting screened for prostate cancer. For men with increased risk factors, African-American men, or men with a family history of cancer, screening should start at age 45, especially if they have never been screened before. If a patient’s PSA score is over 12, a full diagnostic MRI with contrast is recommended.

MRI technology has come a long way in helping radiologists screen for prostate cancer. With the additions of artificial intelligence, along with early screening, radiologists are now able to detect cancer earlier and help reduce mortality. Dr. Princenthal advises, “Men should self-refer. Don't be afraid of the side effects of treatment. It’s important for men to avoid delaying a potentially curable disease.

RadNet provides a comprehensive Prostate Screening Program that leads the way in prostate health with advanced MRI screening. We screen more patients than any other medical group with a higher rate of detection than the national average. For more information about our program, visit our webpage.