Latest Review Date: August 2024

Category: Medical                                                    

POLICY:

Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy of the prostate may be considered medically necessary for diagnosis and active surveillance of prostate cancer.

Magnetic resonance imaging- targeted biopsy of the prostate using CPT code 55706 for saturation biopsy is considered investigational.

For information on saturation biopsy, please refer to medical policy #396: Saturation Biopsy for Diagnosis and Staging of Prostate Cancer Policy.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OR SERVICE:

Before a transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be used to pinpoint the location of suspicious lesions in the prostate. MRI permits a targeted biopsy (as opposed to a blind biopsy, which is the current standard of care). The use of an MRI-guided prostate biopsy serves two functions: (1) to identify areas in the prostate that could harbor a high-grade tumor; and (2) to divert attention from any clinically insignificant cancers not needing treatment. In accomplishing the secondary function, patients are placed into one of two categories: those only needing active surveillance; and those needing definitive intervention.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the U.S., with an estimated 299,010 new cases and 35,250 deaths to occur in 2024. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosis and grading of prostate cancer are performed by taking a biopsy of the prostate gland. A prostate biopsy typically is performed in men who have an elevated prostate-specific antigen level or who present with symptoms. The purpose of the biopsy is to determine whether cancer is present and to determine the tumor grade. Tumor grade (as measured by the Gleason score) is a major determinate in whether a patient is eligible for active surveillance (lower grade tumors) or definitive intervention (higher-grade tumors). Patients in active surveillance undergo periodic follow-up prostate biopsies to assess cancer progression (upgrading of Gleason score).

Prostate biopsies are commonly performed using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance with a 12-core sampling strategy. TRUS was introduced in the late 1980s; with this technique, tissue cores are obtained systematically under ultrasound guidance throughout the whole prostate, although this approach still represents blind biopsy of the prostate as to the location of possible cancer. Prior to the 12-core sampling, 6-core (sextant) sampling was thought to miss too many cases of cancer. However, the 12-core sampling method may over-diagnose clinically insignificant disease and underdiagnose clinically significant disease. Compared with subsequent prostatectomy, TRUS underestimates tumor grade up to 40% of the time and too often detects clinically insignificant disease.

Therefore, the ideal biopsy strategy would only identify men with prostate cancer of clinical significance to direct interventional therapy, and to minimize the detection of clinically insignificant prostate cancer and the risk of consequent overtreatment.

For men undergoing an initial biopsy for an elevated PSA, the systematic 12-core TRUS biopsy detection rate for prostate cancer is approximately 40% to 45%. If an initial 12-core biopsy is negative, and there is still a clinical suspicion of cancer, subsequent serial 12-core biopsies may detect cancer, or, other biopsy techniques such as transperineal template‒guided saturation biopsy (in which 30-80 cores are typically obtained) may be used (See medical policy #396: Saturation Biopsy for Diagnosis and Staging of Prostate Cancer Policy). Saturation biopsy, which is considered investigational, allows for anterior and apical sampling and may detect significant cancer, but also results in oversampling of insignificant cancers. In addition, transperineal biopsy requires general anesthesia and is associated with increased morbidity.

Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Multiparametric MRI includes anatomic T2-weighted imaging for localization of the normal gland and cancer foci and two functional imaging techniques: diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging. The mpMRI evaluation permits identifying tumor location and extent, oversampling areas of interest, undersampling or not sampling nontarget areas, and sampling of clinically significant disease (higher grade tumor). T2-weighted images reflect the water content of tissues and can define the zonal anatomy of the prostate and the presence of prostate cancer as focal areas of low-signal intensities. Degree of intensity decrease differs with Gleason score; higher Gleason score prostate cancer shows lower signal intensities. False-positive findings can occur with benign abnormalities, including prostatitis, atrophy, fibrosis, gland hyperplasia, or irradiation or hormonal treatment effects. Diffusion-weighted images measure the random motion of water molecules. Low diffusion coefficients are associated with prostate cancer, and there is an inverse correlation between these values and Gleason score; however, confidence intervals overlap. Perfusion imaging allows assessment of contrast kinetics in focal lesions; prostate cancer typically enhances faster and to a greater extent than the surrounding prostate; however, non-specificity of patterns limits the usefulness of this technique in isolation.

Several methods of MRI guidance are available for prostate biopsy: cognitive (or visual), direct (“in-bore”), and MRI-ultrasound (US) fusion (visual targeted or software-based targeted). Image fusion is the process of combining information from more than one image into a single image, which may be more informative than any of the images separately. Based on MRI, suspicious areas are identified (i.e., regions of interest) and subjected to targeted biopsy.

With the visual method, the ultrasound operator simply aims the biopsy needle at the area of the prostate where prior MRI indicated the lesion. This method requires the MRI unit, a conventional TRUS facility, and an ultrasound operator with no additional training beyond TRUS biopsy. The disadvantage is the potential for human error in the extrapolation from MRI to TRUS without an overlay of the images.

Direct (in-bore) MRI-targeted biopsy requires the MRI tube, a fusion of a prior MRI demonstrating a lesion with a contemporaneous MRI to confirm biopsy needle location, and needles introduced into the regions of interest. Serial MRI scans are performed to confirm the biopsy needle placement. Studies have demonstrated that in-bore MRI-targeted biopsies have a median cancer detection rate significantly higher than random biopsies; however, this technique is time-consuming and costly, including the in-bore time and the two MRI sessions necessary. In addition, only suspicious lesions are sampled, because tissues with a “normal” appearance on MRI are not obtained.

MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy, done visually or using software, superimposes preprocedure (stored) MRI over an intra-procedure (real-time) ultrasound to direct the biopsy needle to an ultrasound region of interest defined by the mpMRI.

Table 1. Techniques for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Prostate Biopsy

MR: magnetic resonance; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; TRUS: transrectal ultrasound; US: ultrasound.

Currently, there is available evidence comparing these three techniques in terms of their ability to detect overall or clinically significant prostate cancer. There is also evidence about whether the MRI-targeted biopsy should replace the systematic 12-core TRUS biopsy or whether the systematic 12-core TRUS biopsy should still be done.

Proposed clinical indications for use of MRI-guided prostate biopsy include: (1) as initial biopsy, (2) rebiopsy after a first negative standard biopsy in men with persistent suspicion of disease, including those with persistently increased PSA, suspicious digital rectal exam, previous biopsy with an atypical focus on histology, or extensive high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, (3) follow-up for active surveillance to determine initial eligibility for active surveillance and assessing progression disease over time, (4) for local recurrence post radical prostatectomy, post external beam radiotherapy, or after high-intensity focused ultrasound.

KEY POINTS:

The most recent literature update was performed through June 26, 2024.

Summary of Evidence

For individuals who have a suspicion of prostate cancer who receive a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-targeted biopsy, the evidence includes numerous prospective and retrospective studies of paired cohorts, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and systematic reviews and meta-analyses of these studies. Available studies compared MRI-targeted biopsy with transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)-guided biopsy in detecting overall, clinically significant, and clinically insignificant prostate cancers. Relevant outcomes are overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival, test accuracy, morbid events, and quality of life. Studies on the use of MRI-targeted prostate biopsy have shown that the technology may diagnose more clinically significant cancers than TRUS-guided biopsy and fewer clinically insignificant cancers, which might stratify patients for treatment and active surveillance. Considering the prognostic value of risk stratification based on prostate biopsy, better diagnostic accuracy is likely to identify patients with clinically significant prostate cancer, leading to changes in management that would be expected to result in clinically meaningful outcomes, such as survival or quality of life. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have prostate cancer and are in active surveillance who receive an MRI-targeted biopsy, the evidence includes a systematic review, an RCT, and observational studies of paired cohorts comparing MRI-targeted biopsy with TRUS-guided biopsy for detection of pathologic progression of prostate cancer in terms of Gleason score and detection of higher grade cancer (Gleason score ≥7). Relevant outcomes are disease-specific survival, test accuracy, morbid events, and quality of life. Current evidence has suggested that, compared with TRUS-guided biopsy, an MRI-targeted biopsy is better at detecting those patients in active surveillance who have progressed and need definitive intervention. With the greater ability to detect prostate cancer with a Gleason score 7 or higher, which is a critical parameter for definitive therapy in prostate cancer, use of this biopsy guidance technique is likely to translate into positive clinically meaningful outcomes (eg, survival, quality of life) in this population. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcome.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

National Comprehensive Cancer Network

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (v.4.2024) guidelines on prostate cancer make the following statements on the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of prostate cancer:

 “Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) can be used in the staging and characterization of prostate cancer.”

“mpMRI may be used to better risk stratify patients who are considering active surveillance. Additionally, mpMRI may detect large and poorly differentiated prostate cancer (Grade Group ≥2) and detect extracapsular extension (T staging) and is preferred over CT for abdominal/pelvic staging. mpMRI has been shown to be equivalent to CT scan for pelvic lymph node evaluation.”

American College of Radiology

In 2022, the American College of Radiology issued appropriateness criteria for pretreatment detection, surveillance, and staging that stated:

"the clinical paradigm for prostate cancer diagnosis undoubtedly is rapidly moving toward MRI-targeted biopsies, based on abundant evidence that this can improve pretreatment evaluation of prostate cancer in many aspects, such as MRI-

targeted biopsies are more concordant with radical prostatectomy in determining Gleason score; better selected candidates for active surveillance; and improved risk stratification"

"clinical pathways that incorporate MRI-targeted biopsy have been shown to increase the detection rate of clinically significant cancers, especially in patients who had a prior negative [transrectal ultrasound]-guided biopsy with continuous suspicion for prostate cancer and even in biopsy-naïve patients"

"MRI-targeted biopsy may be useful in a subset of patients with Gleason 3 + 4 for the purpose of identifying “favorable intermediate-risk” who may be considered for active surveillance"

"MRI-targeted biopsies have shown increasing usage for active surveillance during the past decade for reclassification of disease as part of determining eligibility or during followup....because some tumors are invisible on MRI and missed by MRI-targeted biopsies, even when performing an MRI-targeted biopsy as part of active surveillance, concurrent systemic biopsies cannot be omitted at the moment."

In 2022, the American College of Radiology issued appropriateness criteria for post-treatment follow-up of prostate cancer, noting that MRI-targeted biopsy may be appropriate for follow-up status post radical prostatectomy when there is clinical concern for residual disease. For follow-up in patients with clinical concern for residual or recurrent disease following nonsurgical local and pelvic treatments, MRI-targeted biopsy is usually appropriate.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

The National for Health and Care Excellence (2019) published guidelines on the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer with the following recommendations:

•  “Do not routinely offer multiparametric MRI to people with prostate cancer who are not going to be able to have radical treatment.”
•  “Offer multiparametric MRI as the first-line investigation for people with suspected clinically localised prostate cancer. Report the results using a 5-point Likert scale.”
•  “Offer multiparametric MRI-influenced prostate biopsy to people whose Likert score is 3 or more.”
•  “Consider omitting a prostate biopsy for people whose multiparametric MRI Likert score is 1 or 2, but only after discussing the risks and benefits with the person and reaching a shared decision. If a person opts to have a biopsy, offer systematic prostate biopsy.”

American Urological Association and Society of Abdominal Radiology

In 2016, the American Urological Association and Society of Abdominal Radiology published a joint consensus statement on prostate MRI and MRI-targeted biopsy in patients with prior negative biopsy. The Association recommended:

“If a biopsy is recommended, prostate MRI and subsequent MRI-targeted cores appear to facilitate the detection of CS disease over standardized repeat biopsy. Thus, when high-quality prostate MRI is available, it should be strongly considered in any patient with a prior negative biopsy who has persistent clinical suspicion for prostate cancer and who is undergoing a repeat biopsy.”

American Urological Association

In 2020, the American Urological Association published an update of the standard operating procedure on the use of multiparametric MIRI for the diagnosis, staging, and management of prostate cancer. The statement concluded that "data support prostate MRI use in men with a previous negative biopsy and ongoing concerns about increased risk of prostate cancer. Sufficient data now exist to support the recommendation of MRI before prostate biopsy in all men who have no history of biopsy. Currently, the evidence is insufficient to recommend MRI for screening, staging, or surveillance of prostate cancer."

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

No U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations for MRI-guided or MRI/ultrasound fusion biopsy of the prostate have been identified.

KEY WORDS:

MRI/US fusion, MRI/TRUS fusion, fusion MRI, prostate cancer, prostate biopsy, MRI targeted biopsy

APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODIES:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‒guided or MRI/ultrasound (US) fusion biopsy is a medical procedure that uses MRI and ultrasound devices previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prostate biopsy is a surgical procedure and, as such, it is not subject to regulation by FDA.

FDA product code, ultrasound devices: IYN, ITX, IYO. FDA product code, MRI devices: LNH, LNI, MOS.

Several MRI-US fusion software-based targeted prostate biopsy platform specifications have been cleared from marketing by FDA through the 510(k) marketing process. Fusion software and (manufacturers) include: Artemis™ (Eigen), BioJet™ (D&K Technologies), BiopSee® (MedCom), Real-time Visual Sonography (Hitachi), UroNav™ (Invivo/Philips), Urostation® (Koelis), and Virtual Navigator (Esaote).

BENEFIT APPLICATION:

Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits.  Group-specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

ITS: Home Policy provisions apply.

FEP: Special benefit consideration may apply.  Refer to member’s benefit plan.  

CURRENT CODING: 

CPT Codes:

There is no specific CPT code for this procedure. It would likely be reported with a prostate biopsy code (55700-55705) and the MRI guidance code 77021.

REFERENCES:

1. Ahdoot M, Wilbur AR, Reese SE, et al. MRI-Targeted, Systematic, and Combined Biopsy for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis. N Engl J Med. Mar 05 2020; 382(10): 917-928.
2. American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR Appropriateness Criteria; Prostate Cancer -Pretreatment Detection, Staging, and Surveillance. 2022; acsearch.acr.org/docs/69371/Narrative/. 
3. American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR Appropriateness Criteria: Post-treatment Follow-up of Prostate Cancer. 2022. acsearch.acr.org/docs/69369/Narrative/. 
4. Antonarakis ES, Feng Z, Trock BJ, et al. The natural history of metastatic progression in men with prostate specific antigen recurrence after radical prostatectomy: long-term follow-up. BJU Int. Jan 2012; 109(1):32-39.
5. Arsov C, Rabenalt R, Blondin D, et al. Prospective randomized trial comparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided in-bore biopsy to MRI-ultrasound fusion and transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy in patients with prior negative biopsies. Eur Urol. Oct 2015; 68(4):713-720.
6. Baco E, Rud E, Eri LM, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial To Assess and Compare the Outcomes of Two-core Prostate Biopsy Guided by Fused Magnetic Resonance and Transrectal Ultrasound Images and Traditional 12- core Systematic Biopsy. Eur Urol. Jan 2016; 69(1):149-156.
7. Bass EJ, Pantovic A, Connor MJ, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy techniques compared to transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. Feb 2022; 25(2): 174-179. 
8. Bjurlin MA, Carroll PR, Eggener S, et al. Update of the Standard Operating Procedure on the Use of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Diagnosis, Staging and Management of Prostate Cancer. J Urol. Apr 2020; 203(4):706-712.
9. Bjurlin MA, Meng X, Le Nobin J, et al. Optimization of prostate biopsy: the role of magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy in detection, localization and risk assessment. J Urol. Sep 2014; 192(3):648-658.
10. Da Rosa MR, Milot L, Sugar L, et al. A prospective comparison of MRI-US fused targeted biopsy versus systematic ultrasound-guided biopsy for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in patients on active surveillance. J Magn Reson Imaging. Jan 2015; 41(1):220-225.
11. Drost FH, Osses D, Nieboer D, et al. Prostate Magnetic Resonance Imaging, with or Without Magnetic Resonance Imagingtargeted Biopsy, and Systematic Biopsy for Detecting Prostate Cancer: A Cochrane Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Eur Urol. Jan 2020; 77(1): 78-94.
12. Eggener SE, Scardino PT, Walsh PC, et al. Predicting 15-year prostate cancer specific mortality after radical prostatectomy. J Urol. Mar 2011; 185(3):869-875.
13. Eklund M, Jaderling F, Discacciati A, et al. MRI-Targeted or Standard Biopsy in Prostate Cancer Screening. N Engl J Med. Sep 02 2021; 385(10): 908-920.
14. Elwenspoek MMC, Sheppard AL, McInnes MDF, et al. Comparison of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Targeted Biopsy With Systematic Biopsy Alone for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. Aug 02 2019; 2(8): e198427.
15. Filson CP, Natarajan S, Margolis DJ, et al. Prostate cancer detection with magnetic resonance-ultrasound fusion biopsy: The role of systematic and targeted biopsies. Cancer. Mar 15 2016; 122(6):884-892.
16. Frye TP, George AK, Kilchevsky A, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Fusion Biopsy to Detect Progression in Patients with Existing Lesions on Active Surveillance for Low and Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer. J Urol. Mar 2017; 197(3 Pt 1):640-646.
17. Fulgham PF, Rukstalis DB, Turkbey IB, et al. AUA policy statement on the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis, staging and management of prostate cancer. J Urol. May 5 2017 198(4):832-838.
18. Gordetsky JB, Saylor B, Bae S, et al. Prostate cancer management choices in patients undergoing multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasound fusion biopsy compared to systematic biopsy. Urol Oncol. May 2018 36(5):241.e7-241.e13
19. Haider MA, Brown J, Yao X, et al. Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: an Updated Systematic Review. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). Dec 2021; 33(12): e599-e612. 
20. Hu X, Yang ZQ, Shao YX, et al. MRI-targeted biopsy versus standard transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Abdom Radiol (NY). Oct 2020; 45(10): 3283-3292.
21. Hugosson J, Månsson M, Wallström J, et al. Prostate Cancer Screening with PSA and MRI Followed by Targeted BiopsyOnly. N Engl J Med. Dec 08 2022; 387(23): 2126-2137.
22. IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2011. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
23. Kasivisvanathan V, Rannikko AS, Borghi M, et al. MRI-Targeted or Standard Biopsy for Prostate-Cancer Diagnosis. N Engl J Med. Mar 18 2018 378(19):1767-1777.
24. Klotz L, Chin J, Black PC, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Versus Systematic Prostate Biopsies: 2-yearFollow-up of a Prospective Randomized Trial (PRECISE). Eur Urol Oncol. Jun 2024; 7(3): 456-461.
25. Klotz L, Chin J, Black PC, et al. Comparison of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy With Systematic Transrectal Ultrasonography Biopsy for Biopsy-Naive Men at Risk for Prostate Cancer: A Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol. Apr 01 2021; 7(4): 534-542.
26. Klotz L, Loblaw A, Sugar L, et al. Active Surveillance Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study (ASIST): Results of aRandomized Multicenter Prospective Trial. Eur Urol. Feb 2019; 75(2): 300-309.
27. Klotz L, Pond G, Loblaw A, et al. Randomized Study of Systematic Biopsy Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Targeted and Systematic Biopsy in Men on Active Surveillance (ASIST): 2-year Postbiopsy Follow-up. Eur Urol. Mar 2020; 77(3): 311-317.
28. Klotz L, Vesprini D, Sethukavalan P, et al. Long-term follow-up of a large active surveillance cohort of patients with prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol. Jan 20 2015; 33(3):272-277.
29. Ma TM, Tosoian JJ, Schaeffer EM, et al. The Role of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy in Active Surveillance. Eur Urol. Feb 2017; 71(2):174-180.
30. Maxeiner A, Kittner B, Blobel C, et al. Primary magnetic resonance imaging/ultrasonography fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate. BJU Int. Aug 2018; 122(2): 211-218.
31. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: Prostate Cancer. Version 4.2024. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/prostate.pdf. 
32. National Institute for Clinical Health and Care Excellence. Prostate Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment, CG175. 2014. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg175/chapter/1-recommendations.
33. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management. www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131. 
34. Pierorazio PM, Walsh PC, Partin AW, et al. Prognostic Gleason grade grouping: data based on the modified Gleason scoring system. BJU Int. May 2013; 111(5):753-760.
35. Porpiglia F, Manfredi M, Mele F, et al. Diagnostic pathway with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging versus standard pathway: results from a randomized prospective study in biopsy-naive patients with suspected prostate cancer. Eur Urol. Aug 27 2016.
36. Rosenkrantz AB, Verma S, Choyke P, et al. Prostate magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging targeted biopsy in patients with a prior negative biopsy: a consensus statement by AUA and SAR. J Urol. Dec 2016;196(6):1613-1618.
37. Schiavina R, Droghetti M, Novara G, et al. The role of multiparametric MRI in active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: The ROMAS randomized controlled trial. Urol Oncol. Jul 2021; 39(7): 433.e1-433.e7. 
38. Schoots IG, Petrides N, Giganti F, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging in active surveillance of prostate cancer: a systematic review. Eur Urol. Apr 2015; 67(4):627-636.
39. Schoots IG, Roobol MJ, Nieboer D, et al. Magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy may enhance the diagnostic accuracy of significant prostate cancer detection compared to standard transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Urol. Sep 2015; 68(3):438-450.
40. Siddiqui MM, Rais-Bahrami S, Turkbey B, et al. Comparison of MR/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy with ultrasound-guided biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. JAMA. Jan 27 2015; 313(4):390-397.
41. Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024; 74(1): 12-49.
42. Siegel RL, Miller KD, Fuchs HE, et al. Cancer statistics, 2022. CA Cancer J Clin. Jan 2022; 72(1): 7-33.
43. Tang Y, Liu Z, Tang L, et al. Significance of MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion three-dimensional model-guided, targeted biopsy based on transrectal ultrasound-guided systematic biopsy in prostate cancer detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol Int Oct 30 2018;100(1):57-65.
44. Tu X, Liu Z, Zhang C, et al. Diagnostic Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Targeted Biopsy for Prostate Cancer in Biopsy-Naïve Men: A Meta-Analysis. Urol Int. 2020; 104(3-4): 187-198.
45. Turkbey B, Merino MJ, Gallardo EC, et al. Comparison of endorectal coil and nonendorectal coil T2W and diffusion-weighted MRI at 3 Tesla for localizing prostate cancer: correlation with whole-mount histopathology. J Magn Reson Imaging. Jun 2014; 39(6):1443-1448.
46. Valerio M, Donaldson I, Emberton M, et al. Detection of clinically significant prostate cancer using magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsy: a systematic review. Eur Urol. Jul 2015; 68(1):8-19.
47. Walton Diaz A, Shakir NA, George AK, et al. Use of serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in the management of patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance. Urol Oncol. May 2015;33(5):202 e201-202 e7.
48. Wang X, Xie Y, Zheng X, et al. A prospective multi-center randomized comparative trial evaluating outcomes of transrectalultrasound (TRUS)-guided 12-core systematic biopsy, mpMRI-targeted 12-core biopsy, and artificial intelligenceultrasound of prostate (AIUSP) 6-core targeted biopsy for prostate cancer diagnosis. World J Urol. Mar 2023; 41(3): 653-662.
49. Wegelin O, van Melick HH, Hooft L, et al. Comparing three different techniques for magnetic resonance imaging targeted prostate biopsies: a systematic review of in-bore versus magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound fusion versus cognitive registration. Is there a preferred technique? Eur Urol. Apr 2017; 71(4):517-531.
50. Wu J, Ji A, Xie B, et al. Is magnetic resonance/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy better than systematic prostate biopsy? An updated meta- and trial sequential analysis. Oncotarget. Dec 22 2015; 6(41):43571-43580.

POLICY HISTORY:

Medical Policy Panel, October 2015

Medical Policy Group, December 2015 (4): Adopted new policy for prostate biopsy using MRI.

Medical Policy Administration Committee, January 2016

Available for comment December 21, 2015 through February 5, 2016

Medical Policy Panel, August 2017

Medical Policy Group, August 2017 (4): Updates to Description, Policy, Key Points, Coding and References.  The Policy section was updated to reflect coverage of MRI-targeted biopsy of the prostate. A statement was also added to clarify that saturation biopsy using MRI guidance is considered investigational. The Coding section was updated by removing CPT code 55706 from the coding range and a statement regarding saturation biopsy was added.

Medical Policy Administrative Committee, September 2017

Available for comment August 18 through October 1, 2017

Medical Policy Panel, August 2018

Medical Policy Group, August 2018 (4): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References.  No change to policy statements. 

Medical Policy Panel, August 2019

Medical Policy Group, August 2019 (5): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References. No change to Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2020

Medical Policy Group, August 2020 (5): Updates to Description, Key Points, Practice Guidelines and Position Statements, and References. No change to Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2021

Medical Policy Group, August 2021 (5): Updates to Description, Key Points, Practice Guidelines and Position Statements, and References. Policy statement updated to remove “not medically necessary,” no change to policy intent.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2022

Medical Policy Group, August 2022 (5): Updates to Description, Key Points, Practice Guidelines and Position Statements, and References. No change to Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2023

Medical Policy Group, August 2023 (11): Updates to Description, Key Points, Benefit Application, and References. No change to Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, August 2024

Medical Policy Group, August 2024 (11): Updates to Description, Key Points, and References. No change to Policy Statement. 

This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.

The plan does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. The plan administers benefits based on the member’s contract and corporate medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

As a general rule, benefits are payable under health plans only in cases of medical necessity and only if services or supplies are not investigational, provided the customer group contracts have such coverage.

The following Association Technology Evaluation Criteria must be met for a service/supply to be considered for coverage:

1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;

3. The technology must improve the net health outcome;

4. The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives;

5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational setting.

Medical Necessity means that health care services (e.g., procedures, treatments, supplies, devices, equipment, facilities or drugs) that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury or disease or its symptoms, and that are:

1. In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice; and

2. Clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and considered effective for the patient’s illness, injury or disease; and

3. Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician or other health care provider; and

4. Not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient’s illness, injury or disease.