Which prostate biopsy method is safer and better at finding cancer?
NCT ID NCT04081636
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two common methods for taking a prostate biopsy: one through the rectal wall and one through the skin between the scrotum and anus. 840 men who needed a biopsy for suspected prostate cancer were randomly assigned to one of the two methods. The goal was to see which approach causes fewer infections and detects more significant cancers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If this trial succeeds, doctors may know which biopsy method is safer and more accurate for diagnosing prostate cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed study comparing two standard procedures, not a new treatment. Results may not change practice if neither method is clearly superior.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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840 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2019
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients who are scheduled to undergo prostate biopsy for suspected prostate cancer as part of their regular medical care * Either with or without an MRI Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with no access to rectum (due to previous rectal surgery) * Any abnormalities of the perineal skin (e.g. infection) * Patients whose procedure requires sedation or general anesthesia
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Albany Medical College
Albany, New York, 12208, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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