International Scientific Cooperation to Advance Image-Guided Prostate Cancer Care
American College of Radiology (ACR), AdMeTech Foundation and European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) Create Standards for High Quality MRI
February 07, 2012
To improve early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, ACR, AdMeTech Foundation and ESUR have formed a joint effort to expedite development of standards for the Magnetic Resonance Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (MR PI-RADS) modeled after a successful effort in breast cancer care. The goal is to expedite the transfer of high-quality MRI from laboratories to patients to address the major need in prostate cancer care — reducing unnecessary biopsies and treatment. Over-diagnosis and over-treatment associated with current prostate cancer screening (PSA testing) has been highlighted by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, American Cancer Society and other groups. MR PI-RADS is expected to be completed and ready for distribution in early 2013.
“MR PI-RADS will build on the ACR’s experience with the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) that has led to improvements in breast cancer screening and treatment worldwide. This new system will continue the good stewardship of vital healthcare resources clearly demonstrated by radiologists in the past,” said Jeffrey Weinreb, MD, ACR representative and co-chair of the MR PI-RADS Steering Committee.
