Reducing the duration of MRI scans for prostate cancer ^[1] by one-third could enhance affordability and accessibility without compromising accuracy, as revealed by a UK trial. This trial ^[2] suggests that cutting costs could lead to more widespread availability of scans.

With approximately 52,300 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year in the UK, the need for efficient diagnostic methods is crucial. Currently, patients suspected of having prostate cancer undergo a three-stage MRI scan, including the administration of a contrast dye during the final stage to improve image clarity.

In the trial involving 555 patients from 22 hospitals across 12 countries, researchers from the University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals, investigated the impact of eliminating the third stage. Results showed that using a shorter scan still allowed specialists to detect 29% of prostate cancers, equivalent to the detection rate of three-step scans.

Dr. Clare Allen, the lead radiologist on the trial, emphasized that dropping the contrast scan did not compromise the identification of significant prostate cancers. She noted that the abbreviated scans would be faster, less expensive, and more accessible, provided that the initial two stages maintained high-quality imaging.

The trial also revealed that a two-stage MRI could be nearly 50% cheaper^[3], with the average cost of a three-phase MRI being £273 compared to £145 for a two-phase scan. Matthew Hobbs, the director of research at Prostate Cancer UK, which co-funded the trial alongside the John Black Charitable Foundation, highlighted that these findings enable quicker, injection-free, and cost-effective scans, ensuring more men can benefit from accurate diagnoses while reducing healthcare expenses globally.

1. ^{^}

   MRI scanning could lead to major cut in prostate cancer deaths, UK study finds, The Guardian, August 22nd, 2023 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/aug/22/mri-scanning-could-lead-to-major-cut-in-prostate-cancer-deaths-finds-uk-study 

2. ^{^}

   Re: Prevalence of MRI Lesions in Men Responding to a GP-led Invitation for a Prostate Health Check: A Prospective Cohort Study https://bmjoncology.bmj.com/content/bmjonc/2/1/e000057.full.pdf 

3. ^{^}

   Cheaper, quicker prostate cancer scans just as accurate ‘and can help more men’
   https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/apr/06/cheaper-quicker-prostate-cancer-scans-just-as-accurate-and-can-help-more-men