Enhancing Pathology Precision: The Importance of Preserving Specimen Integrity from Needle to Slide

Approximately 1 million prostate cancer biopsies are performed each year in the U.S., but a recent study found that standard US-guided biopsies only achieve 48% sensitivity in detecting high grade cancer with a Gleason score above 4 + 3.1,2

To help close these precision gaps, the American Urological Association now recommends MRI-US fusion biopsies for all patients at risk of developing prostate cancer. Not only have MRI-US fusion therapies such as the Navigo 4D Navigation System been shown to achieve 93% sensitivity, but fusion biopsy is the only technique proven to deliver a comprehensive, accurate picture of prostate anatomy.2

However, despite the advantages of MRI-US fusion therapies, biopsy specimen integrity and, as a result, an accurate biopsy sample, remains integral to accurate diagnosis.

Common Challenges with Standard Biopsy Processing Workflows

Unfortunately, research shows that up to 40% of biopsied tissue is lost or damaged between needle and slide, resulting in ineffective biopsy analysis.3

While there are a number of factors that can lead to ineffective biopsy analysis, specimen transfer to a jar or sponge – and subsequent transport to a pathology lab for processing – is particularly risky because of the potential for fragmentation and tangling of cores. In addition, using tweezers in the pathology lab to remove soft tissue biopsies from a sponge or jar is labor-intensive, and small fragments can sometimes be left behind.

This compromised specimen integrity can lead to incorrect pathological evaluations and catastrophic consequences for a patient, ranging from higher treatment costs to delayed detection and an increased risk of mortality. The SmartBx biopsy management system, utilized with the powerful technology behind the Navigo 4D Fusion Navigation System or any other fusion system, ensures an accurate sample by keeping biopsy specimens intact during transport to the lab.

A Solution to Protecting Specimen Integrity

SmartBx creates a seamless transition from needle to slide by preserving core location and orientation during transfer and processing, thereby preventing core fragmentation and tangling to maximize diagnostic accuracy. Moreover, pathology labs can optimize their processing expenses by utilizing the ability to process two biopsies per slide, delivering up to 50% cost savings on each case while ensuring patients receive accurate biopsy results.

In fact, the SmartBx biopsy management system has proven to increase detection rates by 25%.4,5,6

As an additional benefit, SmartBx is compatible with most commercially available biopsy guns on the market, providing the ability to seamlessly integrate with current workflows.

Reduce Repeat Biopsies by Improving Diagnostic Accuracy

Standard TRUS-Guided Biopsy Targeting, where 12 core samples are collected from various locations in the prostate and “blinded” without clear direction and cancer target localization, results in clinicians inevitably passing over malignant tissues. This can lead to mis-staging of significant disease and result in repeat biopsies. SmartBx improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces the need for repeat biopsies by allowing urologists to identify the exact location on the core to target.

Experience an unprecedented level of accuracy, efficiency and effectiveness when diagnosing prostate cancer with Navigo and SmartBx. Schedule a discovery call today to learn more about how Navigo and SmartBx can benefit your urology practice.

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Sources

1. 2020 Hu et al. Protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing transperineal prostate biopsy to reduce infectious complication.

2. Ahmed HU, El-Shater Bosaily A, Brown LC, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of multi-parametric MRI and TRUS biopsy in prostate cancer (PROMIS): a paired validating confirmatory study. Lancet. 2017;389(10071):815-822.

3. 2015 American Urology Association Conference Presentation.

4. 2019 Aa et al. BMC Urology Three-dimensional greyscale transrectal ultrasound-guidance and biopsy core pre embedding for detection of prostate cancer: Dutch clinical cohort study.

5. 2020 Masarwa et al. The value of the SmartBxTM system in improving the detection of prostate cancer in patients undergoing Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy.

6. 2021 Lavi Implications of a Novel Biopsy Downloading System on Prostate Cancer Detection Rate, Surveillance and Focal Therapy − A Prospective Study.