Effects of the lesion size on clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates in PI-RADS category 3-5 lesions

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks second among prevalent cancers in men, necessitating effective screening tools such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with the prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) classification. This study explores the impact of lesion volume on clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection rates in PI-RADS 3–5 lesions, aiming to contribute insights into the underexplored relationship between lesion size and csPCa detection.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 754 patients undergoing mpMRI-guided transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy between January 2016 and 2023. Patients with PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions were included. Lesion size and PI-RADS categories were assessed through mpMRI, followed by MR fusion biopsy.

Results

Of the patients, 33.7%, 52.3%, and 14.1% had PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions, respectively. Lesion sizes correlated significantly with csPCa detection in PI-RADS 4 and 5 categories. For PI-RADS 3 lesions, no significant differences in csPCa rates were observed based on lesion size. However, in PI-RADS 4 and 5 groups, larger lesions showed higher csPCa rates.

Conclusion

This study suggests that subgroup categorizations based on lesion volume could predict clinically significant PCa with high accuracy, potentially reducing unnecessary biopsies and associated overtreatment. Future research should further explore the relationship between lesion size and csPCa, clarifying discussions regarding the inclusion of systematic biopsies in diagnostic protocols.