Ronald P. Kaufman, Jr., MD, presented “Biopsy Updates: Do We Have Clarity?” during the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update conference on February 9, 2025, in Vail, Colorado.
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How to cite: Kaufman, Ronald P. “Biopsy Updates: Do We Have Clarity?” February 9, 2025. Accessed May 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/biopsy-updates-do-we-have-clarity/
Biopsy Updates: Do We Have Clarity? – Summary
Ronald P. Kaufman, Jr., MD, Professor of Urology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, reviews evidence comparing transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsies. In this 8-minute presentation, Dr. Kaufman highlights infection rates, cancer detection, and procedural considerations.
Dr. Kaufman shares that while expert opinion has favored transperineal biopsy due to perceived lower infection rates, recent randomized trials challenge this view. Three key studies — ProBE-PC, PREVENT, and PERFECT — show comparable infection rates and cancer detection outcomes between the two approaches. He stresses that infection rates are consistently low across all studies, with no clear advantage for transperineal biopsy. Cancer detection rates are similar.
Dr. Kaufman emphasizes that antibiotic prophylaxis is sufficient for transrectal biopsy, arguing that prolonged antibiotic use is unnecessary and poor stewardship. He stresses that both techniques are safe and effective when performed by skilled operators and that individual urologist expertise may influence outcomes more than the biopsy route itself. He advocates for improved training to enhance procedural consistency and safety, urging clinicians to base decisions on infection patterns, patient factors, and local expertise.
About the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update:
The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), is a multi-day, CME-accredited conference focused on new developments in prostate cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. IPCU 35 will feature lectures, interactive discussions, panel roundtables, debates, and case reports. This conference is led by expert physicians and is designed for urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
The goal of this educational program is to equip healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with the up-to-date clinical knowledge and tools they need to best treat their patients. The program will discuss the treatment of prostate cancer from diagnosis to treating advanced and metastatic disease. The conference aims to give physicians exposure to a comprehensive review of treating prostate cancer patients and to give them a chance to discuss the issues with peers and experts. You can learn more about the conference here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ronald P. Kaufman, MD, is Professor of Urology in the department of Urology at Albany Medical College in Albany, New York. Additionally, he was the interim chair of urology when the division was in a period of transition. He attended Trinity College, followed by medical school at George Washington University. After completing his urology residency at Duke University under the direction of David Paulson, he joined the faculty at Albany Medical College and was promoted from assistant professor to professor of urology. As a result of his extensive oncology training and interest, Dr. Kaufman developed a practice concentrating in general urologic oncology and currently focuses on renal oncology, both open and robotic.
Dr. Kaufman was a member of the inaugural American Urological Association (AUA) Leadership Program in 2004 and became a member of the AUA Coding and Reimbursement Committee in 2005. He then chaired the AUA Coding and Reimbursement Committee for eight years. In addition, he was a consultant to the American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Editorial Panel from 2008 to 2017 and the AUA advisor to the AMA CPT Editorial Panel from 2017 to 2021. Dr. Kaufman was an active member of the Public Policy Council for many years and the AUA State Advocacy Committee from 2017 to 2021. He has been a member of the executive committee of the New York State Urological Society since 2003 and served as its president from 2014 to 2016. Additionally, Dr. Kaufman has been active in the Northeastern Section of the AUA, serving as secretary from 2010 to 2014, president from 2015 to 2016, and a board member for many years.
