Biopsies using ultrasound fusion imaging for detecting bone and soft tissue cancers are safe, effective, and just as accurate as conventional biopsy methods, according to new findings.

Researchers from Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI, USA) revealed that the ultrasound fusion imaging technique guides a needle biopsy with precise accuracy and ease, while making the biopsy experience more convenient for patients.

Ultrasound fusion merges real-time ultrasound images with previously acquired computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, providing physicians with high resolution, life-like imaging to identify the area for biopsy. This is the first time researchers compared the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound fusion against conventional biopsy imaging tools such as CT or MRI.

The study's findings are presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons February 15-18, 2011, in San Diego (CA, USA). "Ultrasound fusion is a viable option to consider for patients," said Michael Mott, MD, an orthopedic oncologist at Henry Ford and lead investigator for the study. "With imaging precision being equal, patients liked the ultrasound fusion because scheduling a biopsy was found to be more flexible for ultrasound suites than CT suites."

Bone and soft tissue cancers account for a small number of cancer cases. According to the US National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD, USA), about less than 1% of all new cancer cases occur each year in the United States.

Henry Ford researchers compared the results of 44 patients from January to December in 2010 who were randomized into one of two groups: those who received an ultrasound fusion biopsy and those who received a CT biopsy. Researchers also looked at the time and ease of obtaining the biopsy and outcomes. Dr. Mott reported that the accuracy for obtaining the ultrasound fusion biopsy was 93% compared to 90% for obtaining the CT biopsy. Researchers also discovered that the ultrasound fusion was as safe and effective as the CT biopsy.

The study was funded by Henry Ford Hospital and GE Healthcare (Chalfont St. Giles, UK).
 

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