Methods to obtain more clinical and pathologic information from needle core biopsy of the prostate gland.

Prostate needle biopsy can disclose important clinical information on tumor extension and grading, useful prognostic parameters for therapeutic choices and prognostic definition. To obtain more histopathologic information on specimens and clinical prognostic parameters, we used a new method to handle and embed tissue fragments of prostate biopsy as well as a new trans-rectal probe (TRUS) with an end-fire convex ultrasound transducer to guide ultrasonically precise needle placement in the prostate gland. In our experience these methods combined can be useful in obtaining reliable clinical and prognostic information in the management of patients with prostate cancer.