In this video, Benjamin Pockros, MD, MBA, discusses the next steps following his urology practice paper, “The Economic Impact of Contrast-Free Prostate MRI.” Pokros is a urology resident at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Transcription:
What are the next steps for this research?
With many studies showing comparable diagnostic accuracy between the two and many economic benefits for patients, the next step is to implement this change in basic early detection and treatment. I think it’s a matter of how to implement it. Active Surveillance Protocol? For most patients who are on active surveillance, starting at age 55, for example, they may have up to 4, 5, 6 MRIs in their lifetime, and this is very important for them. . The point of active surveillance is to minimize the side effects of radical treatments such as surgery and radiation. As such, we seek to minimize the effects of active surveillance, including financial harm. So what our group is currently looking at is how we can implement this change. And what I can tell you is that the University of Michigan has actually started offering contrast-free prostate MRI for patients on active surveillance, which is a very interesting change and I think we’re going to continue to research that. We are planning to start.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I just want to thank the team for their hard work. None of this would have been possible without Dr. Todd Morgan and Dr. Matt Davenport. Dr. Morgan is a urologic oncologist and Dr. Davenport is a radiologist at GU. They spearheaded this project and made it all happen. They are also recognized for their work in putting this into practice at the University of Michigan.
This transcript has been edited for clarity.
