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Extended Systematic Versus Mri-Assisted pRostate Transperineal Biopsy

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-Targeted Biopsy and Extended Transperineal Systematic Biopsy for Detection of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: the SMART Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04685928
Acronym
SMART
Enrollment
403
Registered
2020-12-28
Start date
2021-05-27
Completion date
2024-09-24
Last updated
2025-05-06

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Prostate Cancer

Keywords

Prostate biopsy, Prostate Cancer, MRI prostate, Transperineal biopsy

Brief summary

This is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) by MRI-targeted approach (MRI-arm) versus 24-core transperineal (TP) systematic biopsy (TP-arm). Clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) is defined as ISUP (International Society of Urogenital Pathology) Grade group ≥2 prostate cancer. Patients with elevated PSA 4-20 ng/mL with or without abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) will be randomized in a 1:1 manner to MRI-arm or TP-arm. In the MRI-arm, multiparametric MRI prostate will be performed for each subject. MRI prostate is considered abnormal if PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System, version 2.1) score is 3, 4 or 5. For subjects in MRI-arm with abnormal MRI, MRI-targeted biopsy will be performed, followed by 12-core systematic transperineal biopsy (sparing MRI-target). For subjects in MRI-arm with normal MRI, no biopsy is performed. For subjects in TP-arm, 24-core systematic transperineal biopsy will be performed without MRI guidance. The study flowchart is provided in Figure 1. The detection rates of csPCa will be compared between MRI-targeted biopsy plus 12-core systematic biopsy (in MRI-arm) versus TP-arm. The study hypothesis is MRI-guided prostate biopsy with 12-core systematic biopsy is superior to 24-core transperineal systematic biopsy in detection of csPCa.

Detailed description

The current study is a randomized controlled trial using a superiority design with the subjects randomized in 1:1 manner to either MRI-arm or TP-arm. In the MRI-arm, multiparametric MRI is performed for all subjects. If MRI is abnormal (PI-RADS score 3-5), 3-4 core targeted followed by 12-core systematic transperineal biopsies under local anaesthesia will be performed. If MRI is normal, no biopsy is performed. A 12-core systematic biopsy is also included in MRI-targeted biopsy as it has been shown in the Trio study that adding systematic biopsy increased the detection of csPCa. In the TP-arm, no MRI will be performed, and all subjects will receive 24-core transperineal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia. Patient will be followed up in clinic about 30 days after biopsy to review pathology result and complication.

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTMRI and MRI-guided prostate biopsy

Multiparametric MRI prostates in the MRI arm will be performed using 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla scanner with a pelvic phased array coil and contrast injection. T2-weighted, diffusion weighted and dynamic contrast enhanced scans will be included and the reporting of MRI finding will be done according to PI-RADS (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data Systems) v2.1 recommendations. MRI-guided targeted biopsy will be performed by Urologists experienced in MRI-guided biopsy for men with PI-RADS score 3-5.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTTP-arm Systematic biopsy

Transperineal 24-core biopsy using a free-hand technique under local anaesthesia will be performed under transrectal ultrasound guidance for men in this arm

Sponsors

Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Randomized controlled trial, 1:1 allocation

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Men ≥18 years of age 2. Clinical suspicion of prostate cancer and indicated for prostate biopsy 3. Serum Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 4-20 ng/mL 4. Digital rectal examination ≤ cT2 (organ confined cancer) 5. Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

1. Prior prostate biopsy 2. Past or current history of prostate cancer 3. MRI prostate performed within past 5 years 4. Contraindicated to undergo MRI scan (e.g. pacemaker in-situ, claustrophobia, estimated glomerular filtration rate \< 50ml/min in serum renal function test within 3 months) 5. Contraindicated to transperineal prostate biopsy: active urinary tract infection, fail insertion of transrectal ultrasound probe into rectum (abdominal perineal resection, anal stenosis), fail to be placed in lithotomy position, uncorrectable coagulopathy, antiplatelet or anticoagulant which cannot be stopped (keep aspirin before and after biopsy is permitted)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Proportion of men with clinically significant Prostate cancer(csPCa), diagnosis of ISUP Grade group 2 or above prostate cancer in at least 1 biopsy core in MRI-arm Vs TP-armWhen histology results available, at an expected average of 30 days post-biopsyISUP Grade 2 or above prostate cancer diagnosed on biopsy

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Proportion of men in MRI arm with normal MRI who could avoid a biopsyWhen MRI results available, at an expected average of 30 days post-MRIThe number of patients in MRI arm with normal MRI
Proportion of men with post-biopsy adverse events within 30 days after biopsy30 days post biopsyThe severity of Adverse event is grade by Clavien-Dindo classification
Proportion of men with csPCa in MRI-arm (Targeted biopsy only) Vs TP-arm (24-core Systematic biopsy)When histology results available, at an expected average of 30 days post-biopsyISUP Grade 2 or above prostate cancer diagnosed on biopsy
Proportion of men with diagnosis of clinically insignificant prostate cancer (ISUP Grade group 1)When histology results available, at an expected average of 30 days post-biopsyISUP Grade 1-5, the higher grade the higher risk.
Health-related Quality of life scoresAt recruitment, and at 30 days after interventionEQ-5D-5L
Cost per diagnosis of cancer30 days post-biopsyCost to diagnosis one cancer
Cancer core length of the most involved biopsy coreWhen histology results available, at an expected average of 30 days post-biopsymaximum cancer core length in mm

Countries

Hong Kong

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026