Ezequiel Becher, MD presented “Imaging and Biomarkers in Patient Selection for Focal Ablation” during the 2023 Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy symposium on November 10, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois.
How to cite: Becher, Ezequiel. “Imaging and Biomarkers in Patient Selection for Focal Ablation.” November, 2023. Accessed Nov 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/imaging-and-biomarkers-in-patient-selection-for-focal-ablation/
Imaging and Biomarkers in Patient Selection for Focal Ablation – Summary
Ezequiel Becher, MD, discusses the critical role of imaging and biomarkers in selecting patients for focal ablation in prostate cancer treatment.
He highlights the advancements in imaging technologies that have revolutionized prostate cancer diagnostics, particularly multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). In addition to imaging, Dr. Becher underscores the significance of biomarkers in patient selection. While prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are traditionally used, they are complemented by more specific biomarkers such as PCA3, TMPRSS2-ERG, and genomic tests that provide a deeper understanding of tumor biology and aggressiveness.
Dr. Becher also addresses the challenges and limitations of current imaging and biomarker techniques. He advocates for continuous refinement of these technologies and the development of standardized protocols to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Looking forward, he points to the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving diagnostic precision and patient selection processes.
Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy (FOCAL) is an outstanding program on prostate imaging, transperineal interventions, and ablative treatments for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Bringing together community-based, academic, and industry partners, FOCAL offers lectures by world-renowned faculty and hands-on training workshops on in-office transperineal interventions, fusion-guided prostate ablation and state-of-the-art BPH management with novel technologies.
