Debate over prostate biopsies not over in U.S.
Don't miss this webinar from AnCan 8-9:30 p.m. August 29
By Howard Wolinsky
The debate over transrectal vs. transperineal biopsies is very real.
Last I checked in 2021, 95% American patients undergoing TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) prostate biopsies have transrectal biopsies, exposing themselves to potentially deadly sepsis and other infections. So 5% had safer transperineal biopsies/
A survey of patients attending AnCan and ASPI meetings showed that 83.5% of patients undergo TRUS procedures. So 16.5% had had transperineal procedures that bypass the germ-laden rectum.
Contrast this with Europe, where transperineal procedures—passing through the area between the anus and the scrotum—nearly totally avoid infections.
A leading European urologist told me last week that transrectal biopsies are considered tantamount to “malpractice” in Europe.
The debate is finished in Europe and Australia. But it rages on here.
Cogent arguments are made by reasonable doctors on both sidex of the argument.
It remains a matter of medical economics and politics. The American Urological Association is releasing new guidelines on this matter in 2023.
Please join AnCan’s Virtual Support Group for Patients on Active Surveillance for a program, “Prostate Cancer Biopsies...The Great Debate,” on whether transrectal biopsies or transperineal biopsies are better for patients.
The program will be 8-9:30 p.m. Eastern on August 29. Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1375984251183869452
Please join us.
(Note: In earlier publicity, I usedabbreviated links with confusing O vs. 0. So click on the link above. Let me know if you have a problem.)
Deborah Kaye, MD, Assistant Professor Duke UniversityDivision of Urology and Duke Clinical Research Institute Margolis Policy Center, will argue for transrectal biopsies.
Arvin George, MD, a urologic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and management of genitourinary cancers at the University of Michigan Health, will argue for transperineal procedures.
Co-sponsors include ASPI, Prostate Cancer Support Canada, the Prostate Forum of Orange County, and TheActiveSurveillor.com.
Please submit questions in advance to moderator Joe Gallo at joeg@ancan.org
Also, check out a program on genetic testing by Active SUrveillance Patients International.
Here’s the scoop:
HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I DO A GENETICS TEST?
ASPI: August 27 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
Men, loved ones, and families can gain valuable facts from a cancer genetic test. While the use of genetics testing for cancers is still growing, the existing state of the art for prostate and related cancers is a powerful tool for identifying men and persons at risk. This 60-minute expert presentation will feature Robert Finch, MS, a Certified Genetic Counselor, and medical ncologist Michael Glode, MD.
You will be reacquainted with prostate cancer screening biomarkers such as the PSA test and a variety of genomic tests, receive a thorough explanation of how and when to get a cancer genetics test along with genomics tests, and finally a moment for you the patient or family to ask questions.
As ASPI does not provide medical advice, this program will educate you and your family about medical details of a family history from a genetics test, which genetics tests are not useful for medical care, the pertinent genetic relationships between breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers and how any of these genes may affect your health.
Please join us for this positive and powerful presentation with benefits for everyone!
This presentation is sponsored by a donation from Myriad Genetics
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Aug 27, 2022 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Free registration: Click Here