The number of unnecessary biopsies could be reduced, thanks to a new model of predicting who is at risk of prostate cancer.
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test can be used as a screen for prostate cancer. Men with elevated levels might be offered a biopsy to check for the presence of cancer. The trouble is that three out of four men having a biopsy after elevated PSA do not have cancer at all.

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University in the US have developed a way of detecting which men with a PSA level of under 10 ng/mL really need a biopsy. The tool, known as a nomogram, relies on lab, clinical and ultrasound data. It gives the risk of a man having a malignancy and the doctor and patient can then decide whether the biopsy is worthwhile. Not only could this reduce unnecessary biopsies, it could also help prepare patients for possible outcomes after the biopsy.