A groundbreaking new prostate cancer scan that takes just 15 minutes could transform diagnosis for millions of men and pave the way for a national screening program.
Developed by British researchers from University College London and UCL Hospital, the revolutionary MRI scan—known as the shortened “biparametric” scan—takes half the time of existing scans and costs half as much, yet matches the diagnostic accuracy of standard three-part scans that require a contrast dye.
In a landmark study involving 555 patients across 22 hospitals in 12 countries, 29% of participants were diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer using the 15-minute scan—the same proportion detected by the conventional 30–40 minute MRI, which costs an average of £273 on the NHS.
The new scan also requires fewer medical staff and is 47% cheaper, making it more accessible to men in need of timely testing.
“About four million MRI scans are needed worldwide each year to diagnose prostate cancer,” said Prof. Veeru Kasivisvanathan, lead author of the study. “With demand expected to rise over the next two decades, this faster, more affordable scan could save lives and ensure that every man who needs testing can receive it promptly.”
Currently, the NHS provides national screening programs for breast, bowel, and cervical cancers, but not for prostate cancer. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has voiced support for a national screening initiative, highlighting its potential to prevent thousands of premature deaths.
Prostate Cancer UK is preparing the largest prostate screening trial in 20 years to help establish a national program. “This faster and cheaper scan represents a major step forward in offering effective and affordable services for men,” said Dr. Matthew Hobbs, Research Director at Prostate Cancer UK.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 56,000 new cases and 12,000 deaths annually. This innovative MRI scan offers earlier detection, reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies, and could save countless lives.
The introduction of this breakthrough scan may serve as the foundation for a nationwide screening program, providing men with a timely opportunity to safeguard their health against a disease that is often detected too late.
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