Detection of clinically significant prostate cancer following initial omission of biopsy in multiparametric MRI era

Multiparametric prostate MRI (mpMRI) is being increasingly adopted for work-up of prostate cancer. For patients selected to omit biopsy, we identified factors associated with repeat MRI, eventual prostate biopsy, and subsequent detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa, Grade Group ≥2).

We identified biopsy-naïve men presenting with PSA 2−20 ng/mL (March 2018−June 2021) undergoing initial mpMRI with PIRADS 1–3 lesions who were not selected for biopsy with ≥6 months follow-up. We examined factors associated with repeat mpMRI, progression to biopsy, and subsequent detection of csPCa with univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Of 1494 men, 31% (463/1494) did not pursue biopsy. PSA density (PSAD) ≤ 0.1, prostate health index (PHI) < 55, and PIRADS 1−2 were associated with omission of prostate biopsy. csPCa diagnosis-free survival was 97.6% (326/334) with median follow up of 23.1 months (IQR 15.1−34.6 months). Black race, PSA, PHI, PSA density, and PSA and PHI velocity were significant predictors of undergoing repeat mpMRI (15.6%, 52/334) and subsequent biopsy (8.4%, 28/334). 8 men were subsequently diagnosed with csPCa (N = 7 on prostate biopsy; N = 1 incidentally on holmium enucleation of prostate). All patients diagnosed with csPCa had PIRADS 4−5 on repeat mpMRI.

The subsequent detection rate of csPCa among patients not initially biopsied after mpMRI was low at 2.4%. Decisions to omit biopsy after initial reassuring PHI, PSAD, and mpMRI appear safe with subsequent reassuring serum biomarkers and for cause mpMRI during follow-up.