Technology

The optical biopsy needle at the heart of Precision Biopsy’s technology employs an optical probe at the tip of a standard biopsy needle. Using light spectroscopy measurements at the biopsy site, a sophisticated tissue classification algorithm determines the presence or absence of cancer on a real-time basis. Based on previous work done by our scientific founders utilizing fresh post-surgical whole gland prostates, a high level of sensitivity and specificity in detecting cancerous tissue is expected.

Physicians will have the ability to probe highly suspicious areas or hot spots within the prostate gland for tissue abnormalities prior to taking a biopsy. High risk/prevalence areas will be probed first and foremost for the presence of cancer.  Additional biopsies will be taken to permit accurate sampling of the highest Gleason grade and help estimate the size and extent of the tumor through the analysis of a number of positive biopsy cores. Real time measurement and feedback will aid the practitioner in thoroughly assessing the entire prostate gland to identify and focus on areas of abnormal tissue morphology that lead to accurate staging of the disease. Use of Precision Biopsy’s optical biopsy needle to diagnose prostate cancer will enable physicians to identify specific patients that warrant treatments, thereby minimizing overtreatment of this disease. This will provide faster, more relevant diagnostic and prognostic data to the urologist at the time of biopsy, as well as help direct therapy and spare the patient a protracted waiting period for test results.