Overview
- An international PRIME trial published in JAMA tested biparametric against standard multiparametric prostate MRI in 555 men across 22 hospitals in 12 countries.
- The shorter two-part scan identified clinically important cancers in 29% of participants, the same rate as the three-part scan that uses injected contrast.
- Scan duration fell to roughly 15–20 minutes from 30–40 and average NHS costs were reported at about £145 versus £273, with reduced need for clinician involvement.
- Researchers and Prostate Cancer UK said the finding could expand MRI access and urged NICE to prepare for a guideline review as the TRANSFORM screening trial is set to begin later this year.
- Independent experts warned about potential overdiagnosis from the study endpoint and emphasized the need for optimal scan quality and specialist radiologist interpretation, with some centers likely to still request full multiparametric MRI for treatment planning.