Prostate cancer patients to benefit from new hospital technology
New machine allows doctors to combine MRI and ultrasound scans for more accurate biopsies
Northampton General Hospital has become the first NHS hospital in the East Midlands to buy a new biopsy machine designed to improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The technology allows doctors to carry out targeted biopsies of the prostate by digitally overlaying MRI and ultrasound scans, helping them identify potential tumours with greater accuracy.
It means patients are less likely to need repeat biopsies, which can shorten the time it takes to diagnose cancer and begin the right treatment.
The equipment was funded by a donation from Northamptonshire Health Charity.
Chandran Tanabalan, the hospital's Focal Therapy Lead and a consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, said the new biopsies would be offered to everyone on the hospital's prostate cancer pathway.
He said: "By offering new MRI fusion-guided biopsies to all patients on our prostate cancer pathway, we can diagnose cancer more accurately and start the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
"The quicker results can also sometimes provide greater reassurance to patients during what can be a very anxious time."
The scanner is the latest addition to a range of techniques the hospital uses for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, which also includes robotic assisted surgery, radiotherapy and a focal therapy service.
Tanabalan said the hospital was able to offer some of the most advanced NHS prostate cancer diagnostics and treatments in the region.
He said: "We are immensely proud to offer some of the most advanced NHS prostate cancer diagnostics and treatments in the region. It means we can provide our patients with a very high level of specialist care that can be personalised to them.
"The results so far have been extremely encouraging. Every procedure has been completed safely, with no significant complications, and with almost all patients returning home on the same day as their treatment.
Jonathan McGee, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Health Charity, said the appeal behind the new equipment had been successful in bringing focal therapy to Northamptonshire for the first time.
He said: "I am delighted that our very well supported appeal has been such a great success delivering focal therapy to Northamptonshire for the first time.
"Each new layer of technology that has been added has enabled clinicians to offer new ways of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer."