Nizhny Novgorod oncologists have implemented a new high-precision prostate cancer diagnostic method in practice.

      Photo: Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncology Dispensary

      Specialists from the Research Institute of Clinical Oncology "Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary" have implemented a new method for high-precision diagnosis of prostate cancer into practice. This allows for the detection of the disease at the earliest stage, when treatment will be most effective. The first 15 patients have already undergone such examinations. As the doctors explained, the method is called "fusion biopsy." It allows for more accurate diagnosis in patients where MRI diagnostics have revealed suspicious areas in the organ, but their size is still too small. "Often, malignant tumor foci can be located deep within the tissues of the prostate, and their sizes are only a few millimeters. In such cases, performing a standard biopsy under ultrasound control is ineffective — pathological changes are not yet visible to the machine or the physician's eye. The latest method — fusion biopsy — comes to the rescue. A special device allows for real-time merging of ultrasound and MRI images to accurately determine the tumor's location and successfully insert a needle to collect cells. Thus, we can collect material from formations as small as 3-5 mm," said Gleb Khyrykov, head of the 3rd ward at the NIIKO "NOKOD."

      Research is conducted at the 12th oncological urology department of the Regional Oncology Dispensary. Here, with the help of the latest equipment, surgical interventions are also performed. "The fusion biopsy device is multimodal, meaning it can also be used directly during surgery. We can perform an ultrasound on the patient by inserting the probe directly into the abdominal cavity. This allows us to determine the exact boundaries of the tumor and remove it with minimal consequences and risks to the body. In the past month, we have already performed 10 such high-precision operations," explained Gleb Khyrykov.

      The regional health ministry noted that the use of the new device and methods allows doctors to fight oncological diseases even more effectively. This is one of the most important tasks of the national project "Long and Active Life."

      The Regional Oncology Dispensary emphasized that the detection rate of prostate cancer in the region is increasing every year. In 2024, the disease was first detected in about 1,500 residents, and in 2025 — in more than 1,600 people. Specialists attribute this trend to increased oncological vigilance among doctors, improvements in diagnostic technologies, as well as active screening and preventive medical examinations.

      Let us remind you that the national project "Long and Active Life" has been implemented in the country since 2025 by order of the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. It includes 11 federal projects: "Health for Everyone," "Modernization of Primary Health Care," "Medical Personnel," "Fighting Cardiovascular Diseases," "Fighting Cancer," "Fighting Diabetes," "Fighting Hepatitis and Minimizing the Risks of Disease Spread," "Improving Emergency Medical Care," "Developing Federal Medical Organizations, including the Development of a Network of National Research Centers," "National Platform 'Health,' 'Optimal Medical Rehabilitation for Health Recovery.'"