Peter A. Pinto Archives

Point Counterpoint: Risk Stratification for Biopsy – MRI

Posted by Peter A. Pinto, MD | Feb 2025

Peter A. Pinto, MD, underscores the evolving role of MRI as a critical biomarker in urologic oncology, particularly for prostate cancer detection, staging, and treatment planning.

In this 12-minute conversation, Dr. Pinto highlights MRI’s unique position as a diagnostic and procedural adjunct, emphasizing its ability to improve biopsy accuracy, reduce over-diagnosis of low-grade cancers, and enhance focal therapy targeting. He shares that MRI provides actionable insights that enhance clinical decision-making by correlating radiologic findings with pathological outcomes. Further, the potential of MRI as a screening tool is explored, with promising advancements in shorter, contrast-free scans. Dr. Pinto also addresses the integration of AI for tumor identification, segmentation, and quality control, presented as a pathway to overcoming these limitations.

Fusion Biopsy Technologies and Techniques

Posted by Peter A. Pinto, MD | Apr 2024

Peter A. Pinto, MD, discusses the evolution of prostate cancer biopsy and imaging techniques in the past twenty years, from blind systematic biopsies to MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsies. He begins by noting that prostate cancer was the only solid-organ tumor diagnosed without image guidance going into the 21st century.

When MRI was introduced as an imaging modality for prostate cancer diagnosis, urologists developed several different techniques for incorporating MRI into biopsy procedures. Dr. Pinto briefly covers the history and development of in-bore biopsies, cognitive fusion biopsies, and MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsies.

He concludes with reviewing the currently available devices in this space. He evaluates each system as it relates to biopsy needle targeting route, tracking and navigation, MRI-ultrasound fusion opportunities, ultrasound image acquisition, and biopsy fixation.

The Manogram: Role of MRI in Prostate Cancer Screening

Posted by Peter A. Pinto, MD | Feb 2023

Peter A. Pinto, MD, discusses the utility of MRI in prostate cancer screening, including mpMRI and the more cost-effective bpMRI.

Should MRI Be Used to Monitor for AS? Pro Argument

Posted by Peter A. Pinto, MD | Jul 2018

Peter A. Pinto, MD, argues that MRI can help select prostate cancer patients for active surveillance (AS). While MRI has some limitations, with proper application, it can reduce patient and urologist anxiety, repeat biopsies, and amount of cores taken during AS. Subsequently, this will reduce morbidity, bleeding, erectile dysfunction, and infections related to biopses.