Cost-Effectiveness of Axial Skeleton MRI in Staging High-Risk Prostate Cancer

What is it about?

This study investigated the use of AS-MRI for detecting bone metastases in high-risk prostate cancer patients. It found that AS-MRI is more sensitive than Tc 99m bone scintigraphy and has a similar or higher detection rate compared to literature data. The use of AS-MRI for staging BM in high-risk PCa is both feasible and results in a reduced burden of expenditure, with a minimum cost saving of £8406.89 over a 5-year period.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it examines the feasibility and cost implications of using axial skeleton magnetic resonance imaging (AS-MRI) as a staging modality for detecting bone metastases (BM) in high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. It shows that AS-MRI is both feasible and results in a reduced burden of expenditure compared to bone scintigraphy (BS). This information is crucial for healthcare providers to make informed decisions about the most appropriate imaging modalities for high-risk PCa patients. Key Takeaways: 1. AS-MRI is a more sensitive method for detecting BM in high-risk PCa patients compared to bone scintigraphy (BS). 2. The use of AS-MRI for staging BM in high-risk PCa is both feasible and results in a reduced burden of expenditure compared to BS. 3. AS-MRI should be strongly considered as a staging modality, especially in the era of frequent Tc 99m shortage and to save healthcare costs. 4. AS-MRI should be combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to characterize equivocal lesions.