Evaluating prostate needle biopsy: Therapeutic and prognostic importance

Introduction of the automatic, spring-driven, 18-gauge core biopsy gun in the past decade began a new era in sampling of the prostate for histologic diagnosis. Strategies for sampling the prostate are being refined, which will increase the diagnostic yield. In combination with other clinical factors, the pathologic findings obtained from the biopsy specimen enhance the predictive accuracy for stage and individual outcome.