Understanding Prostate Cancer: Not All Are the Same
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but what many don’t realize is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all disease. There are different types of prostate cancer—some grow very slowly and may never cause harm, while others are aggressive and can spread quickly if not treated in time.
- Non-aggressive (low-risk) prostate cancer often grows so slowly that it may never need treatment. Many men with this type can safely choose active surveillance, where doctors monitor the cancer over time with regular tests and imaging.
- Aggressive (high-risk) prostate cancer, on the other hand, can grow and spread rapidly. These cases require timely and often more intensive treatment to prevent serious health consequences.
The challenge? Traditional diagnostic methods haven’t always been able to tell the difference clearly. That’s led to a frustrating reality: some men are undertreated, while others are overtreated—facing unnecessary side effects for cancers that may never have caused harm.
It’s time we talk about a better path forward. One that uses the latest cutting-edge tools in imaging, urology, AI and digital pathology to give men the clarity they deserve.
A New Era of Precision Diagnosis
Thankfully, advances in medical technology are changing that. Today, tools like multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy allow doctors to see and sample suspicious areas of the prostate with far greater accuracy than the old random biopsy methods.
The Problem With the Old Way
For decades, the standard prostate cancer detection method has been the TRUS biopsy—a procedure that samples random areas of the prostate guided only by ultrasound. However, TRUS prostate biopsies are often imprecise, with the ability to detect only 30-41% of cancers.
This approach can result in repeated biopsies, unclear diagnoses, or unnecessary side effects. Due to inaccurate risk profiling, up to 40% of aggressive prostate cancers are undertreated, and up to 50% of insignificant prostate cancers are overtreated.
There is a more targeted and precise approach.
Achieving Better Outcomes for Prostate Patients
Leading medical and academic institutions now use an advanced, integrated pathway that starts with multiparametric MRI—a highly sensitive scan that pinpoints suspicious areas in the prostate with 93% accuracy. These areas are analyzed with imaging software that maps lesions and risk scores.
Then comes fusion-guided biopsy, where real-time ultrasound is overlaid with MRI findings to precisely target the suspicious tissue—taking fewer samples, with greater confidence.
Once tissue is collected, it can be digitized using digital pathology scanners, allowing faster case review and remote collaboration between experts. And with AI-powered tools, slides are analyzed with unprecedented consistency—flagging cancers that may otherwise be missed and reducing human variability.
From Confusion to Clarity
This comprehensive approach—from imaging to biopsy to diagnosis—gives doctors and patients a full view of the disease.
When all the data is integrated and visualized in 3D, care teams can make more personalized decisions:
- Some men may qualify for focal therapy, avoiding the side effects of whole-gland treatment.
- Others may confidently opt for active surveillance, knowing their cancer is low risk.
- Those with aggressive tumors can start treatment with speed—and precision.
Why It Matters
One in 6 men in the U.S. is diagnosed with prostate cancer. But not all prostate cancer is the same, and not all men need the same treatment.
Every prostate patient deserves precise care
Especially if you’re over 50, have rising PSA levels, or a family history of prostate cancer.
The technology exists. The data is clear. The path to better outcomes is here.
Let’s make this the decade where precision replaces guesswork in prostate care.
About Kevin Coady
Kevin Coady currently serves as the North America Business Leader for Disease Management Solutions & Digital Pathology at Philips Health Care. Kevin was instrumental in developing Philips’ first Men’s Health and Prostate program, integrating MRI, fusion biopsy, digital pathology, and AI.
