Probability of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis following Negative Systematic and Targeted MRI: Transrectal Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy: A Real-Life Observational Study

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The risk of occult prostate carcinoma (PCa) after negative multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)-transrectal fusion biopsy (F-Bx) is unknown. To determine the false-negative predictive value, we examined PCa detection after prior negative F-Bx. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Between December 2012 and November 2016, 491 patients with suspected PCa and suspicious mpMRI findings underwent transrectal F-Bx. Patients with benign pathology (<i>n</i> = 191) were eligible for our follow-up (FU) survey. Patient characteristics and clinical parameters were correlated to subsequent findings of newly detected PCa. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Complete FU with a median of 31 (interquartile range: 17–39) months was available for 176/191 (92.2%) patients. Of those, 54 men had either surgical interventions on the prostate or re-Bxs. Newly detected PCa was evident in 14/176 (7.95%) patients stratified to ISUP ≤2 in 10 and ≥3 in 4 cases. The comparison of patients with newly detected PCa to those without cancerous findings in FU showed significant differences in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (0.16 vs. 0.13 ng/mL<sup>2</sup>) and prostate volume (45 vs. 67 mL, both <i>p</i> < 0.05). Both factors are significant predictors for newly detected cancer after initial negative F-Bx. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Only PSA density (>0.13 ng/mL<sup>2</sup>) and small prostate volume are significant predictors for newly detected PCa after initial negative F-Bx. Despite negative mpMRI/TRUS F-Bx results, patients should be further monitored due to a risk of developing PCa over time. Notwithstanding the limitation of our study that not all patients underwent another Bx, we assume that the false-negative rate is low but existing. Our data represent a real-world scenario.