Early and accurate detection of prostate cancer is a vital component to a positive prognosis. Regional One Health is now using a new technology for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer. This new technology is helping to diagnosis prostate tumors that were previously missed using the standard prostate biopsy technique in which the tumors could not be seen.  Previously the prostate biopsy procedure was just a random sampling of the peripheral zones of the prostate hoping to identify prostate cancer that could not be seen by ultrasound.

The UroNav fusion biopsy procedure now available at Regional One Health is a fusion of multi-parametric prostate MRI images and ultrasound that allows the urologist to do targeted MRI fusion biopsies. The patient first undergoes a prostate multi-parametric MRI, which is reviewed by a radiologist trained in prostate MRI. The radiologist identifies, marks, and then assigns a PI-RADS score from 1 to 5 to the suspicious lesions. Then in the urology office, those MRI images are overlaid with the prostate ultrasound images to give a more detailed view and guide the biopsy needle with much more precision than was available in the past.

Robert Wake, MD

This new procedure is available at Regional One Health and is being performed by Robert Wake, MD, urologist with UT Regional One Physicians and Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.  Dr. Wake is a respected leader in the field of urology and has a special interest in the treatment and research of prostate cancer and its complications.

“Popular methods of prostate cancer screening can be inconclusive, leading to uncertainties for the patient.  These targeted prostate biopsies should improve the detection of clinically significant disease and decrease the detection of indolent disease, thereby decreasing the risks of over-detection and over-treatment of prostate cancer.  Because of this, the MRI fusion targeted biopsy procedure is poised to become the new standard in prostate care,” explained Dr. Wake. “This approach is of great value to men with worrisome PSA levels. The images we capture help determine if a biopsy is even needed, and it if is, we are able to perform smarter biopsies based on the MRI fusion technique.  It can avoid unnecessary biopsies as well as be used for monitoring patients who choose active surveillance.”

The addition of this procedure in urology at Regional One Health East Campus is a next step in the creation of a men’s health center.  While a focus on women’s health is something you see at hospitals and health systems across the country, a focus on men’s health care is not as common. Dr. Wake and his team are changing that.

“With the framework set up at the East Campus, we are well on the way to creating comprehensive men’s health services. We want to provide a friendly and comfortable environment where men can come in for most of your health concerns, from blood pressure and cholesterol to erectile dysfunction or prostate issues, and be cared for by providers who will address those concerns with you,” explained Dr. Wake.

Learn more about urology services at the East Campus here or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Wake here.  Clinic appointments are also available by calling 901-515-5700.