ACR, AdMeTech and ESUR to expedite development of standards for MR PI-RADS

 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.

MR PI-RADS will be based on prostate MRI guidelines developed by ESUR and the work by the AdMeTech Foundation's International Prostate MRI Working Group.

"This tool will set the standards for prostate MRI reporting and help more efficiently combat prostate cancer by reducing unnecessary biopsies and focusing resources on those patients who truly need further treatment," said Jelle Barentsz, MD, ESUR representative and co-chair of the MR PI-RADS ACR's Steering Committee.

"Prostate cancer — the most common major cancer in the United States and the second most lethal malignancy in men — represents a major public health problem. Advanced imaging technologies and their BI-RADS standardization enabled minimally-invasive, precisely-targeted diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer for women. Similarly, MR PI-RADS will transform prostate cancer care for men," said Faina Shtern, MD, AdMeTech Foundation's representative and a member of the ACR'S Steering Committee.