[Life] NTU Takes the Lead in Introducing Micro-Ultrasound, Shortening Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Period and Improving Detection Rate

Prostate cancer ranks third in incidence among male cancers in our country. National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) pioneered the use of the nation's first high-resolution micro-ultrasound equipment in June 2025, with plans to gradually install more equipment at its main hospital and Cancer Medical Center branch. This technology shortens the diagnostic process and improves cancer detection rates. As of the end of May this year, 324 patients have undergone biopsy examinations, with an overall prostate cancer diagnosis rate of 60.7%, demonstrating the significant value of micro-ultrasound in the precise diagnosis of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the common cancers among Taiwanese men. With the advent of an aging society, the number of patients continues to increase. Early and accurate diagnosis is a crucial factor affecting treatment outcomes. However, traditional prostate ultrasound has limited resolution, making some lesions difficult to identify. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers good diagnostic capabilities, it may face challenges such as longer waiting times for examinations and limitations in medical resources. Micro-ultrasound is a new-generation high-resolution prostate imaging technology that uses a high-frequency probe of approximately 29MHz, achieving an image resolution of up to 70 micrometers. Compared to traditional ultrasound, it provides more detailed real-time images, assisting physicians in directly identifying suspicious lesions during biopsy and performing precise sampling. Recent international studies have also confirmed its clinical value. Some studies show its diagnostic efficacy is not inferior to MRI-guided biopsy, while others indicate that micro-ultrasound and MRI-targeted biopsy have similar prostate cancer detection rates. It can serve as an important alternative or complementary tool to MRI, offering patients the opportunity to complete their diagnosis more quickly. Mr. Huang, 78, sought medical attention due to an abnormally elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. Initially, another hospital suggested an invasive surgery for diagnosis. After transferring to NTUH, a real-time identification of a highly suspicious lesion was made using the new-generation high-resolution micro-ultrasound, followed by a precise biopsy. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer within two weeks and subsequently commenced treatment. Another patient, Mr. Lin, 78, had his metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis successfully confirmed through precise lesion localization with micro-ultrasound, enabling him to receive treatment with the latest drugs covered by national health insurance. According to NTUH's analysis of clinical outcomes for 209 patients, if suspicious lesions are identified on micro-ultrasound images, the overall prostate cancer diagnosis rate can be further increased to 69.4%, with a clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis rate of 59.1%. This indicates that micro-ultrasound has excellent capabilities in identifying high-risk lesions. Regarding patient safety, after the introduction of micro-ultrasound at NTUH, all related biopsy examinations are performed via the perineal approach. Compared to traditional transrectal biopsies, this method effectively reduces the risk of infection. To date, no patients undergoing micro-ultrasound-guided biopsies have experienced complications such as fever or severe infections. Patients can also opt for local anesthesia or sedation anesthesia as needed, enhancing examination comfort and acceptance.