Advances in Prostate Biopsy.

The ultrasound-guided, transrectal, sextant prostate biopsy procedure has undergone numerous modifications to improve its diagnostic yield and safety. Biopsy templates evolved from six to as many as twenty-four samples, with the 10-12 core template proving most effective. The advent of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging has been instrumental in addressing the concerns about overdiagnosis of low-risk prostate cancer. The gap in evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsy has been addressed by three large, randomized trials demonstrating similar outcomes. Forthcoming refinements in biomarkers and molecular imaging are destined to enhance the efficacy and safety of prostate biopsy.