Difference In Cancer Detection Rate Research Articles

Comparing the performance of full-field digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis in the post-treatment surveillance of patients with a history of breast cancer: A retrospective study

IntroductionThe purpose of our study was to compare the performance of 2D (FFDM) against 3D (FFDM plus DBT) examinations in the post-treatment surveillance of asymptomatic breast cancer survivors. MethodsA list of women with a history of breast cancer who underwent screening mammography (2D or 3D) from 5/2017 to 5/2020 was retrieved. A total of 20,210 examinations were identified and performance metrics were compared. ResultsThere were no statistically significant difference in cancer detection rate (CDR) (p = 0.38), recall rate (RR) (p = 0.087), or positive predictive value (PPV) (p = 0.74) between 2D vs. 3D examinations. Stratification by breast tissue identified no statistically significant difference in CDR (p = 0.581 and p = 0.428), RR (p = 0.230 and p = 0.205), or PPV (p = 0.908 and p = 0.721) between fatty/scattered and heterogeneous/extremely dense breast tissue when comparing 2D vs 3D examinations. Stratification by age did not identify a significant difference in RR or PPV between the two groups. CDR was statistically increased with 2D vs. 3D examinations in the 60–69 years group (p = 0.021). Stratification by race did not identify a significant difference in RR or PPV between the two groups. CDR was statistically increased with 3D vs. 2D examinations in white women (p = 0.036). Stratification by laterality (bilateral vs. unilateral post mastectomy) did not identify a significant difference in RR or PPV between the two groups. CDR was statistically increased in 2D vs. 3D examinations in unilateral studies (p = 0.009). ConclusionFor asymptomatic women with a history of breast cancer, there is no evidence that the addition of DBT to FFDM improves CDR, RR, or PPV. Implications for practiceMore studies are needed concerning screening methodologies supplementing FFDM in the screening regimens of breast cancer survivors.

The rapid assessment for prostate imaging and diagnosis (RAPID) prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.

To report outcomes within the Rapid Assessment for Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis (RAPID) diagnostic pathway, introduced to reduce patient and healthcare burdens and standardize delivery of pre-biopsy multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transperineal biopsy. A total of 2130 patients from three centres who completed the RAPID pathway (3 April 2017 to 31 March 2020) were consecutively entered as a prospective registry. These patients were also compared to a pre-RAPID cohort of 2435 patients. Patients on the RAPID pathway with an MRI score 4 or 5 and those with PSA density ≥0.12 and an MRI score 3 were advised to undergo a biopsy. Primary outcomes were rates of biopsy and cancer detection. Secondary outcomes included comparison of transperineal biopsy techniques, patient acceptability and changes in time to diagnosis before and after the introduction of RAPID. The median patient age and PSA level were 66 years and 6.6 ng/mL, respectively. Biopsy could be omitted in 43% of patients (920/2130). A further 7.9% of patients (168/2130) declined a recommendation for biopsy. The percentage of biopsies avoided among sites varied (45% vs 36% vs 51%; P < 0.001). In all, 30% (221/742) had a local anaesthetic (grid and stepper) transperineal biopsy. Clinically significant cancer detection (any Gleason score ≥3 + 4) was 26% (560/2130) and detection of Gleason score 3 + 3 alone constituted 5.8% (124/2130); detection of Gleason score 3 + 3 did not significantly vary among sites (P = 0.7). Among participants who received a transperineal targeted biopsy, there was no difference in cancer detection rates among local anaesthetic, sedation and general anaesthetic groups. In the 2435 patients from the pre-RAPID cohor, time to diagnosis was 32.1 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 29.3-34.9) compared to 15.9 days (95% CI 12.9-34.9) in the RAPID group. A total of 141 consecutive patient satisfaction surveys indicated a high satisfaction rate with the pathway; 50% indicated a preference for having all tests on a single day. The RAPID prostate cancer diagnostic pathway allows 43% of men to avoid a biopsy while preserving good detection of clinically significant cancers and low detection of insignificant cancers, although there were some centre-level variations.

Comparative Effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion Versus In-bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted Prostate Biopsy

ObjectiveTo examine the comparative effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound (MRI-U/S) fusion biopsy and in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy. MethodsWe identified men aged 18-89 with a diagnosis of elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) or Gleason 6 prostate cancer on active surveillance who underwent MRI-U/S fusion prostate biopsy (12-core + targeted) in the office or in-bore MRI-targeted biopsy (MRI-IB; targeted only). The cancer detection rate (CDR; Gleason 6-10) and clinically significant CDR (csCDR; Gleason 7-10) were compared across biopsy techniques, adjusted for patient and radiographic features. ResultsA total of 280 patients (346 lesions) were included, of whom 23.9% were on active surveillance for Gleason 6 prostate cancer. In the per-patient analyses, there was no statistically significant difference in adjusted overall CDR (64.1% vs 54.2%; P = .24) or csCDR (36.5% vs 37.9%; P = .85) between MRI-U/S and MRI-IB biopsy. In the per-lesion analyses, there was no statistically significant difference in adjusted overall CDR (45.7% vs 50.1%; P = .49) between MRI-U/S and MRI-IB biopsy, but MRI-IB biopsy was associated with a higher csCDR than MRI-U/S biopsy (32.8% vs 21.4%; P = .02). ConclusionWe observed no statistically significant differences in cancer detection rates between MRI-U/S fusion biopsy and MRI-IB biopsy in per-patient analyses. However, MRI-IB biopsy was associated with higher csCDR when considering targeted biopsy cores only. These results suggest that systematic cores should be obtained when performing MRI-U/S fusion biopsy.

Interval breast cancer rates for digital breast tomosynthesis versus digital mammography population screening: An individual participant data meta-analysis.

BackgroundDigital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improves breast cancer (BC) detection compared to mammography, however, it is unknown whether this reduces interval cancer rate (ICR) at follow-up.MethodsUsing individual participant data (IPD) from DBT screening studies (identified via periodic literature searches July 2016 to November 2019) we performed an IPD meta-analysis. We estimated ICR for DBT-screened participants and the difference in pooled ICR for DBT and mammography-only screening, and compared interval BC characteristics. Two-stage meta-analysis (study-specific estimation, pooled synthesis) of ICR included random-effects, adjusting for study and age, and was estimated in age and density subgroups. Comparative screening sensitivity was calculated using screen-detected and interval BC data.FindingsFour prospective DBT studies, from European population-based programs, contributed IPD for 66,451 DBT-screened participants: age-adjusted pooled ICR was 13.17/10,000 (95%CI: 8.25–21.02). Pooled ICR was higher in the high-density (21.08/10,000; 95%CI: 6.71–66.27) than the low-density (8.63/10,000; 95%CI: 5.25–14.192) groups (P = 0.03) however estimates did not differ across age-groups (P = 0.32). Based on two studies that also provided data for 153,800 mammography screens (age-adjusted ICR 17.69/10,000; 95%CI: 13.22–23.66), DBT's pooled ICR was 16.83/10,000 (95%CI: 11.89–23.82). Comparative meta-analysis showed a non-significant difference in ICR (-0.44/10,000; 95%CI: -11.00–10.11) and non-significant difference in screening sensitivity (6.79%; 95%CI: -0.73–14.87%) between DBT and DM but a significant pooled difference in cancer detection rate of 33.49/10,000 (95%CI: 23.88–43.10). Distribution of interval BC prognostic characteristics did not differ between screening modalities except that those occurring in DBT-screened participants were significantly more likely to be negative for axillary-node metastases (P = 0.005).InterpretationAlthough heterogeneity in ICR estimates and few datasets limit recommendations, there was no difference between DBT and mammography in pooled ICR despite DBT increasing cancer detection.

Optimum screening mammography reading volumes: evidence from the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Minimum caseload standards for professionals examining breast screening mammograms vary from 480 (US) to 5000 (Europe). We measured the relationship between the number of women's mammograms examined per year and reader performance. We extracted routine records from the English NHS Breast Screening Programme for readers examining between 1000 and 45,000 mammograms between April 2014 and March 2017. We measured the relationship between the volume of cases read and screening performance (cancer detection rate, recall rate, positive predictive value of recall (PPV) and discrepant cancers) using linear logistic regression. We also examined the effect of reader occupational group on performance. In total, 759 eligible mammography readers (445 consultant radiologists, 235 radiography advanced practitioners, 79 consultant radiographers) examined 6.1 million women's mammograms during the study period. PPV increased from 12.9 to 14.4 to 17.0% for readers examining 2000, 5000 and 10000 cases per year respectively. This was driven by decreases in recall rates from 5.8 to 5.3 to 4.5 with increasing volume read, and no change in cancer detection rate (from 7.6 to 7.6 to 7.7). There was no difference in cancer detection rate with reader occupational group. Consultant radiographers had higher recall rate and lower PPV compared to radiologists (OR 1.105, p = 0.012; OR 0.874, p = 0.002, unadjusted). Positive predictive value of screening increases with the total volume of cases examined per reader, through decreases in numbers of cases recalled with no concurrent change in numbers of cancers detected. • In the English Breast Screening Programme, readers who examined a larger number of cases per year had a higher positive predictive value, because they recalled fewer women for further tests but detected the same number of cancers. • Reader type did not affect cancer detection rate, but consultant radiographers had a higher recall rate and lower positive predictive value than consultant radiologists, although this was not adjusted for length of experience.

Evaluating the quality and safety of the BreastScreen remote radiology assessment model of service delivery in Australia

Introduction Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women. Given the diverse geography and populations within Australia, the ability to offer a telemedicine-supported breast screening and assessment service may increase access. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes of a telemedicine-based remote radiology assessment service delivery model for detecting breast cancer in regional Australian women compared to the traditional radiologist onsite model. Methods This study was a pre–post intervention study using de-identified administrative data. Data were collected from seven sites across three health jurisdictions within Australia. There were a total of 21,117 assessment visits, with 10,508 (49.8%) pre- and 10,609 (50.2%) post-remote model implementation. Of the 10,609 post-remote model visits, 3,904 (36.8%) were under the remote model. The main outcome was cancer detection, split into any cancer, any invasive cancer or any small invasive cancer. Timeliness of assessment was also examined. Results After adjusting for multiple factors, there were no statistically significant differences in cancer detection rates between the remote and onsite models (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.02, 95% CI 0.86–1.19, n.s.). Implementing the remote assessment model had statistically significant positive effects on the timeliness of assessment (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.59–0.77, p < 0.001). Discussion This study found the remote model delivers safe and high-quality assessment services, with equivalent rates of cancer detection and improved timeliness of assessment when compared to the traditional onsite model. Careful monitoring and ongoing evaluation of any health-service model is important for ongoing safety, efficiency and acceptability.

The Adoption and Impact on Performance of an Automated OutcomesFeedback Application for Tomosynthesis Screening Mammography.

To evaluate a tomosynthesis screening mammography automated outcomes feedback application's adoption and impact on performance. This prospective intervention study evaluated a feedback application that provided mammographers subsequent imaging and pathology results for patients that radiologists had personally recalled from screening. Deployed to 13 academic and 5 private practice attending radiologists, adoption was studied from March 29, 2018, to March 20, 2019. Radiologists indicated if reviewed feedback would influence future clinical decisions. For a subset of eight academic radiologists consistently interpreting screening mammograms during the study, performance metrics were compared pre-intervention (January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017) and post-intervention (October 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018). Abnormal interpretation rate, positive predictive value of biopsies performed, sensitivity, specificity, and cancer detection rate were compared using Pearson's χ2 test. Logistic regression models were fit, adjusting for age, race, breast density, prior comparison, breast cancer history, and radiologist. The 18 radiologists reviewed 68.5% (1,398 of 2,042) of available feedback cases and indicated that 17.4% of cases (243 of 1,398) could influence future decisions. For the eight academic radiologist subset, after multivariable adjustment with comparison to pre-intervention, average abnormal interpretation rate decreased (from 7.5% to 6.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86, P < .01), positive predictive value of biopsies performed increased (from 40.6% to 51.3%, aOR 1.48, P= .011), and specificity increased (from 93.0% to 93.9%, aOR 1.17, P < .01) post-intervention. There was no difference in cancer detection rate per 1,000 examinations (from 5.8 to 6.1, aOR 1.01, P= .91) or sensitivity (from 81.2% to 78.7%, aOR 0.84, P= .47). Radiologists used a screening mammography automated outcomes feedback application. Its use decreased false-positive examinations, without evidence of reduced cancer detection.

Robotic-assisted magnetic resonance imaging ultrasound fusion results in higher significant cancer detection compared to cognitive prostate targeting in biopsy naive men.

BackgroundTo determine differences in cancer detection rates (CDRs) of regions of interest (ROI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with robotic-assisted (RA) targeted biopsies (RA-TB) compared to cognitive targeted biopsies (C-TB).MethodsIn a two-centre, retrospective outcome study, a total of 92 consecutive men who had a pre-biopsy MRI, were biopsy naïve and had a transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy between 9/2015 and 7/2017 were included. The primary analysis consists of 39 men who had C-TB and 53 men who had RA-TB. Outcomes from targeted biopsies were reported as CDR for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) and for any cancer.ResultsTargeted csCDR was higher in RA-TB vs. C-TB (32.1% vs. 10.3%, P=0.014). Targeted CDR of any cancer with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) 3–5 ROIs was also significantly higher in RA-TB compared to C-TB (47.2% vs. 12.8%, P=0.001). On multivariable analysis significant factors which affected the CDR for csPC was prostate volume only [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–1.07]. For any cancer, the CDR was related to prostate volume (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06) and RA-TB (OR 5.97, 95% CI: 1.69–21.07). RA biopsy results in less acute urinary retention (1.9% vs. 12.8%, P=0.03), less prolonged haematuria (7.5% vs. 38.5%, P<0.01) and shortened biopsy times (24 vs. 32 min, P<0.001).ConclusionsRA targeted biopsy results in higher CDR for clinically significant cancers and any cancer. It also suffers lower complications compared to cognitive directed TP biopsy. The ease of use and standardisation of the robotic procedure may reduce the learning curve and increase biopsy accuracy.

The Effect of Prior Comparison MRI on Interpretive Performance of Screening Breast MRI.

To evaluate the effect of prior comparison MRI on interpretive performance of screening breast MRI. After institutional review board approval, all screening breast MRI examinations performed from January 2011 through December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Screening performance metrics were estimated and compared for exams with and without a prior comparison MRI, using logistic regression models to adjust for age and screening indication (BRCA mutation or thoracic radiation versus breast cancer history versus high-risk lesion history versus breast cancer family history). Most exams, 4509 (87%), had a prior comparison MRI (incidence round), while 661 (13%) did not (prevalence round). Abnormal interpretation rate (6% vs 20%, P < 0.01), biopsy rate (3% vs 9%, P < 0.01), and false-positive biopsy recommendation rate per 1000 exams (21 vs 71, P < 0.01) were significantly lower in the incidence rounds compared to the prevalence rounds, while specificity was significantly higher (95% vs 81%, P < 0.01). There was no difference in cancer detection rate (CDR) per 1000 exams (12 vs 20, P = 0.1), positive predictive value of biopsies performed (PPV3) (35% vs 23%, P = 0.1), or sensitivity (86% vs 76%, P = 0.4). Presence of a prior comparison significantly improves incidence round screening breast MRI examination performance compared with prevalence round screening. Consideration should be given to updating the BI-RADS breast MRI screening benchmarks and auditing prevalence and incidence round examinations separately.

Comparative analysis between synthetic mammography reconstructed from digital breast tomosynthesis and full-field digital mammography for breast cancer detection and visibility

PurposeTo compare observer performance between synthetic mammography (2DSM) and full-field digital mammography (FFDM) for breast cancer detection and visibility. MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on 136 histopathologically proven cases of breast cancer in patients who underwent FFDM and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). 2DSM images were reconstructed from DBT data, and 2DSM and FFDM images were reviewed and evaluated for mammographic features, probability of malignancy (BI-RADS classification), and lesion conspicuity. DBT images were not reviewed. Statistical differences in cancer detection rates between 2DSM and FFDM images were analyzed using the McNemar test, agreement on BI-RADS assessment between 2DSM and FFDM was assessed using Cohen’s kappa test, and the Wilcoxon’s signed rank test was used to compare visibility scores. ResultsMean cancer detection rates with 2DSM and FFDM images were 84.6 % and 87.8 %, respectively. In subgroup analyses, differences in breast density, tumor size, and presence of calcifications were not statistically significant. Agreement between 2DSM and FFDM images for BI-RADS classification was graded as good with Cohen’s k-coefficient of 0.78 ± 0.05. Visibility scores in both modalities of images were similar for all lesions combined; however, 2DSM had significantly better visibility scores for calcified cancers (p < 0.01), and in dense breast tissue (p < 0.01). ConclusionsDiagnostic performances of 2DSM and FFDM images were comparable for detecting breast cancers, and it is possible that 2DSM may eliminate the need for additional FFDM during DBT-based imaging due to advances in image reconstruction methods.

The Specific Choice of Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy Scheme Based on Prostate Specific Antigen and Prostate Specific Antigen Density.

BackgroundAlthough magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy and saturation biopsy can improve the accuracy of prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is still the cornerstone for diagnosis of prostate cancer. However, it is not clear whether it is necessary to perform the same TRUS-guided biopsy scheme for patients with different prostate specific antigen (PSA) or prostate specific antigen density (PSAD) levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optimal core number for specific suspected prostate cancer patients.Material/MethodsThere were 398 patients who underwent 12-core biopsy scheme, who were included in this retrospective analysis. The 12-core scheme incorporated a classic sextant scheme and 4-core biopsies from the base and middle regions bilaterally. The cancer detection rates of patients with different PSA or PSAD levels between the 12-core, sextant, 4-core, and 2-core biopsy were compared.ResultsThe differences in cancer detection rates between the 12-core biopsy scheme and the sextant biopsy scheme were significant in patients with PSA <20 ng/mL or PSAD <0.3. There were no differences in the cancer detection rates between the 12-core biopsy scheme and the 4-core biopsy scheme in patients with PSA ≤50 ng/mL or PSAD ≤1.0. There were significant differences between 12-core and 2-core scheme when PSA ≤70 ng/mL or PSAD ≤1.5.ConclusionsWe recommend that the 12-core biopsy should be used for patients with PSA <20 ng/mL or PSAD <0.3. The biopsy scheme in patients with PSA 20–50 ng/mL or PSAD 0.3–1.0 should be considered in combination with DRE and MRI. For patients with PSA >50 ng/mL or PSAD >1.0, we recommend 6-core or 4-core biopsy by comprehensively considering multiple factors. The 2-core biopsy is recommended for patients with PSA >70 ng/mL or PSAD >1.5.

Digital 2D versus Tomosynthesis Screening Mammography among Women Aged 65 and Older in the United States.

Background Although breast cancer incidence and mortality rates increase with advancing age, there are limited data on the benefits and risks of screening mammography in older women and on the performance of two-dimensional digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in older women. Purpose To compare performance metrics of DM and DBT among women aged 65 years and older. Materials and Methods For this retrospective study, consecutive screening mammograms in patients aged 65 years and older from March 2008 to February 2011 (DM group) and from January 2013 to December 2015 (DBT group) were reviewed. Cancer detection rate, abnormal interpretation rate, positive predictive values, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to compare performance metrics in the DM versus DBT groups. Results The DM group had 15 019 women (mean age ± standard deviation, 72.7 years ± 6.3), and the DBT group had 20 646 women (mean age, 72.1 years ± 5.9). After adjusting for multiple variables, there was no difference in cancer detection rate between the DM and DBT groups (6.9 vs 8.2 per 1000 examinations; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.13; P = .23). Compared with the DM group, the DBT group had a lower abnormal interpretation rate (5.7% vs 5.8%; AOR, 0.88; P < .001), higher positive predictive value 1 (14.5% vs 11.9%; AOR, 1.26; P = .03), and higher specificity (95.1% vs 94.8%; AOR, 1.18; P < .001). The DBT group had a higher proportion of invasive cancers relative to in situ cancers (81.1% vs 74.4%; P = .06) and fewer node-positive cancers (10.2% vs 16.6%; P = .054) than did the DM group. Conclusion In women aged 65 years and older, integration of digital breast tomosynthesis led to improved performance metrics, with a lower abnormal interpretation rate, higher positive predictive value 1, and higher specificity. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Philpotts and Durand in this issue.

The Role of Transrectal Ultrasound for Finding Focal Lesions in Prostate Cancer Detection Compared to Systematic Sextant Biopsy

To evaluate the difference in cancer detection rate between targeted biopsy of focal lesions detected on transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and systematic sextant biopsy. This retrospective study included patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy between April 2014 and April 2017 and classified them into three groups: (1) sextant biopsy group patients underwent systematic sextant biopsy without evaluation of focal lesions on TRUS (n = 400), (2) focal lesion group patients underwent targeted biopsy for TRUS-detected lesions (n = 496), and (3) nonfocal lesion group patients had no TRUS-detected focal lesions (n = 222). Positive biopsy rates were compared using Chi-square tests between biopsy groups in all patients and two subgroups divided by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 10 ng/mL. The positive biopsy rate decreased in the order of the focal lesion group, the sextant biopsy group, and the nonfocal lesion group. All prostate cancers and prostate cancers with a Gleason score ≥7 were detected more frequently among patients with PSA ≤10 ng/mL in the focal lesion group than in the sextant biopsy group ( p = 0.008 and 0.007, respectively) and less frequently among patients with PSA >10 ng/mL in the nonfocal lesion group than in the sextant biopsy group ( p = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively). In conclusion, searching focal lesion by TRUS is useful for improving the positive biopsy rate and risk stratification of PCa compared to systematic sextant biopsy without careful TRUS examination.

Effect of Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Breast MR Imaging Interpretive Performance in Community-based Practices.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on breast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging interpretive performance in a large multi-institutional cohort with independent analysis of screening and diagnostic MR studies. Materials and Methods Analysis of 3770 breast MR studies was conducted. Examinations were performed in 2958 women at six participating facilities in the San Francisco Bay Area from January 2010 to October 2012. Findings were recorded prospectively in the San Francisco Mammography Registry. Performance measures were compared between studies with low BPE (mild or minimal) and those with high BPE (moderate or marked) by using binomial tests of proportions. Results Of 1726 MR imaging studies in the screening group, 1301 were classified as having low BPE and 425 were classified as having high BPE (75% vs 25%, respectively; P < .001). Of 2044 MR imaging studies in the diagnostic group, 1443 were classified as having low BPE and 601 were classified as having high BPE (71% vs 29%, respectively; P < .001). For low versus high BPE groups at screening, abnormal interpretation rate was 157 of 1301 versus 111 of 424 (12% vs 26%, P < .001); biopsy recommendation rate was 85 of 1301 versus 54 of 424 (7% vs 13%, P < .001); and specificity was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87, 91) versus 75% (95% CI: 71, 80) (P = .01). For the low versus high BPE groups at diagnostic MR imaging, biopsy recommendation rate was 325 of 1443 versus 195 of 601 (23% vs 32%, P < .001); and specificity was 86% (95% CI: 84, 88) versus 75% (95% CI: 74, 82) (P < .001). There were no significant differences between studies with low versus high BPE in sensitivity for screening (76% [95% CI: 55, 91] vs 83% [95% CI: 52, 98]; P = .94) or diagnostic (93% [95% CI: 87, 97] vs 96% [95% CI: 87, 99]; P = .69) MR imaging, nor were there significant differences in cancer detection rate per 1000 patients between the low BPE versus high BPE groups for screening (15 per 1000 vs 24 per 1000, P = .30) or diagnostic (78 per 1000 vs 85 per 1000, P = .64) MR imaging. Conclusion Relative to MR studies with minimal or mild BPE, those with moderate or marked BPE were associated with higher abnormal interpretation and biopsy rates and lower specificity, with no difference in cancer detection rate. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Atypical Small Acinar Proliferation and High Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia: Should We Be Concerned? An Observational Cohort Study with a Minimum Follow-Up of 3 Years

Introduction: Atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) and high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) are considered precancerous. We aimed to measure the rate of repeat biopsy and adenocarcinoma in patients with ASAP and HGPIN and identify any clinico-pathologic parameters at diagnosis of ASAP/HGPIN that are predictive of adenocarcinoma. Materials and Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ASAP/HGPIN with no previous or concomitant cancer were identified. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes were monitored. Re-biopsy was at clinician discretion. Results: Nineteen were diagnosed with ASAP and 17 with HGPIN. Seven with ASAP (37%) and 6 with HGPIN (35%) underwent re-biopsy. Three (16%) with ASAP and 5 with HGPIN (29%) were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. The difference in cancer detection rates between ASAP and HGPIN was not significant (p = 0.35). Five (14%) in total required definitive therapy for adenocarcinoma. Twenty-three (64%) did not undergo repeat biopsy. Parameters at diagnosis of HGPIN and ASAP, including PSA, prostate volume and PSA density, were compared between the cancer and non-cancer cohorts with none found to be predictive of adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: By monitoring PSA and MRI changes, we managed to spare re-biopsy in two-thirds of patients. Further evaluation is necessary to characterize a surveillance protocol in these populations.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Cost-Effectiveness of Using Private and Medicare Insurance in Community-Based Health Care Facilities.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a cost-effective alternative to full-field digital mammography (FFDM) for both Medicare and privately insured patients undergoing screening mammography. A retrospective data analysis was performed between July 15, 2013, and July 14, 2014, with data on women presenting for screening mammography that included any additional radiologic workup (n = 6319). Patients chose to undergo DBT or FFDM on the basis of personal preference, physician suggestion, and cost difference. The summation of findings over the 1-year period were used to calculate recall rates, cancer detection rates, and billing costs for a regional private insurer and Medicare. Data from the 6319 patients who participated were divided: 3655 patients underwent DBT, and 2664 underwent FFDM during the year of screening. Private insurance billing cost $2.9 million, and Medicare cost $1.2 million for screening, follow-up imaging, and radiologic procedures. Per-person costs were approximately $40 higher for the DBT group using both forms of insurance. However, cost per cancer detected was lower in the DBT group for both private and governmental insurance, leading to potentially $3.7 million and $899,000 saved per 100 cancers found. After standardization of the difference in cancer detection rates between the two groups, DBT was a cost-equivalent alternative to FFDM for private insurance billing but was a cost-inefficient alternative with respect to Medicare costs. In a community-based setting, DBT is a cost-equivalent or potentially cost-effective alternative to FFDM and has the capacity for improving cancer detection and recall rates.

Effect of Using the Same vs Different Order for Second Readings of Screening Mammograms on Rates of Breast Cancer Detection: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Interpreting screening mammograms is a difficult repetitive task that can result in missed cancers and false-positive recalls. In the United Kingdom, 2 film readers independently evaluate each mammogram to search for signs of cancer and examine digital mammograms in batches. However, a vigilance decrement (reduced detection rate with time on task) has been observed in similar settings. To determine the effect of changing the order for the second film reader of batches of screening mammograms on rates of breast cancer detection. A multicenter, double-blind, cluster randomized clinical trial conducted at 46 specialized breast screening centers from the National Health Service Breast Screening Program in England for 1 year (all between December 20, 2012, and November 3, 2014). Three hundred sixty readers participated (mean, 7.8 readers per center)-186 radiologists, 143 radiography advanced practitioners, and 31 breast clinicians, all fully qualified to report mammograms in the NHS breast screening program. The 2 readers examined each batch of digital mammograms in the same order in the control group and in the opposite order to one another in the intervention group. The primary outcome was cancer detection rate; secondary outcomes were rates of recall and disagreements between readers. Among 1,194,147 women (mean age, 59.3; SD, 7.49) who had screening mammograms (596,642 in the intervention group; 597,505 in the control group), the images were interpreted in 37,688 batches (median batch size, 35; interquartile range [IQR]; 16-46), with each reader interpreting a median of 176 batches (IQR, 96-278). After completion of all subsequent diagnostic tests, a total of 10,484 cases (0.88%) of breast cancer were detected. There was no significant difference in cancer detection rate with 5272 cancers (0.88%) detected in the intervention group vs 5212 cancers (0.87%) detected in the control group (difference, 0.01% points; 95% CI, -0.02% to 0.04% points; recall rate, 24,681 [4.14%] vs 24,894 [4.17%]; difference, -0.03% points; 95% CI, -0.10% to 0.04% points; or rate of reader disagreements, 20,471 [3.43%] vs 20,793 [3.48%]; difference, -0.05% points; 95% CI, -0.11% to 0.02% points). Interpretation of batches of mammograms by qualified screening mammography readers using a different order vs the same order for the second reading resulted in no significant difference in rates of detection of breast cancer. isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN46603370.

Editorial Comment

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are often evaluated in an attempt to detect early prostate cancer, however false positive PSA tests are common.1 A strategy to limit false positives, surrounding concerns that prostatitis may increase PSA, has been to defer biopsy decisions until after a course of antibiotics and repeat PSA measurement. This strategy has been evaluated in prior studies, including several small randomized trials, with differing conclusions regarding its benefit.2–4 The authors report a prospective, randomized trial investigating the impact of six weeks of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on PSA levels in asymptomatic men with an elevated PSA. This single-institution study randomized 150 of 1,151 eligible patients with a PSA between 4.0 and 20.0 ng/mL to 6 weeks of fluoroquinolone therapy (ciprofloxacin, but due to formulary changes a proportion received levofloxacin) or 6 weeks of observation. The primary endpoint was change in PSA 8 weeks after randomization. Rate of cancer diagnosis was a secondary outcome for patients who received a biopsy. A near significant difference in the change in PSA across groups was reported (−0.68 vs. 0.01 ng/mL for treatment and observation groups, respectively, p=0.052). 62% of treatment patients and 72% of observation patients underwent biopsy with no difference in cancer detection rate (63% vs. 52%, respectively, p=0.60). The authors conclude that asymptomatic patients with elevated PSA should not receive antibiotics prior to determining if a prostate biopsy is warranted. While the authors are commended for completing a prospective randomized trial to inform the debate on this urological practice, one limitation of this study is the lack of a pre-trial power calculation to plan enrollment. Despite this limitation, the post-intervention median PSA levels in both the treatment and observation groups were above most accepted biopsy thresholds (5.1 ng/mL and 5.0 ng/mL, respectively), indicating that even if the study had found a statistically significant difference, it may not have been clinically relevant. Also, as shown in this study, a decrease in PSA does not indicate an absence of prostate cancer. Given this trial and others on the topic have not provided convincing evidence of this practice, the authors are correct in concluding evidence does not support this management strategy. The risks and costs associated with unnecessary antibiotics are not trivial.5 When hospitalizations after transrectal prostate biopsy were assessed in the Michigan Urological Surgery Improvement Collaborative (MUSIC), 95% of hospital admissions were for infectious complications, and the majority of cultures identified fluoroquinolone resistant organisms.6 With rising antibiotic resistance7 and in an era increasingly focused on quality care and appropriate healthcare utilization, we do not recommend antibiotic therapy prior to making decisions about prostate biopsy in asymptomatic men with elevated PSA. This practice is also highlighted within the American Board of Internal Medicine and American Urological Association’s Choosing Wisely campaign as something that physicians and patients should question.8

Diagnostic Accuracy of Digital Screening Mammography With and Without Computer-Aided Detection.

After the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved computer-aided detection (CAD) for mammography in 1998, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provided increased payment in 2002, CAD technology disseminated rapidly. Despite sparse evidence that CAD improves accuracy of mammographic interpretations and costs over $400 million a year, CAD is currently used for most screening mammograms in the United States. To measure performance of digital screening mammography with and without CAD in US community practice. We compared the accuracy of digital screening mammography interpreted with (n = 495 818) vs without (n = 129 807) CAD from 2003 through 2009 in 323 973 women. Mammograms were interpreted by 271 radiologists from 66 facilities in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium. Linkage with tumor registries identified 3159 breast cancers in 323 973 women within 1 year of the screening. Mammography performance (sensitivity, specificity, and screen-detected and interval cancers per 1000 women) was modeled using logistic regression with radiologist-specific random effects to account for correlation among examinations interpreted by the same radiologist, adjusting for patient age, race/ethnicity, time since prior mammogram, examination year, and registry. Conditional logistic regression was used to compare performance among 107 radiologists who interpreted mammograms both with and without CAD. Screening performance was not improved with CAD on any metric assessed. Mammography sensitivity was 85.3% (95% CI, 83.6%-86.9%) with and 87.3% (95% CI, 84.5%-89.7%) without CAD. Specificity was 91.6% (95% CI, 91.0%-92.2%) with and 91.4% (95% CI, 90.6%-92.0%) without CAD. There was no difference in cancer detection rate (4.1 in 1000 women screened with and without CAD). Computer-aided detection did not improve intraradiologist performance. Sensitivity was significantly decreased for mammograms interpreted with vs without CAD in the subset of radiologists who interpreted both with and without CAD (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.97). Computer-aided detection does not improve diagnostic accuracy of mammography. These results suggest that insurers pay more for CAD with no established benefit to women.

Length of prostate biopsies is not necessarily compromised by pooling multiple cores in one paraffin block: an observational study.

BackgroundIndividually submitted prostatic needle biopsies are recommended by most guidelines because of their potential advantage in terms of core quality. However, unspecified bilateral biopsies are commonly submitted in many centers. The length of the core is the key quality indicator of prostate biopsies. Because there are few recent publications comparing the quality of 12 site-designated biopsies versus pooled biopsies, we compared the lengths of the biopsies obtained by both methods.MethodsThe material was obtained from 471 consecutive subjects who underwent prostatic needle biopsy in the Tampere University Hospital district between January and June 2013. Biopsies from 344 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The total number of cores obtained was 4047. The core lengths were measured on microscope slides. Extraprostatic tissue was subtracted from the core length.ResultsThe aggregate lengths observed were 129.5 ± 21.8 mm (mean ± SD) for site-designated cores and 136.9 ± 26.4 mm for pooled cores (p = 0.09). The length of the core was 10.8 ± 1.8 mm for site-designated cores and 11.4 ± 2.2 mm for pooled cores (p = 0.87). The median length for pooled cores was 11 mm (range 5 mm – 18 mm). For individual site-designated cores, the median length was 11 mm (range 7 mm −15 mm). The core length was not correlated with the number of cores embedded into one paraffin block (r = 0.015). There was no significant difference in cancer detection rate (p = 0.62).ConclusionsOur results suggest that unspecified bilateral biopsies do not automatically lead to reduced core length. We conclude that carefully embedded multiple (three to nine) cores per block may yield cores of equal quality in a more cost-efficient way and that current guidelines favoring individually submitted cores may be too strict.