RAPID - the new standard for prostate cancer diagnosis

The RAPID Pathway (Rapid Access Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis) offers a shortened diagnostic pathway for patients with suspected prostate cancer indicated by a raised PSA or an abnormal DRE.

Patients with suspected prostate cancer will have a multi-parametric MRI and receive the results with a specialist clinician during their first hospital appointment. Patients who have no or low grade prostate cancer may be safely discharged to their GP without further investigation; patients who require further investigation will be offered a transperineal fusion biopsy.

Led by Professor Hashim U. Ahmed, RAPID was established by Imperial College London and RM Partners with support from NHS England Transformation Funding.

  • Multi-parametric MRI

    A multi-parametric MRI is formed of up to three different types of MRI scan to provide a more detailed image of the prostate.

    Imperial Prostate were among the earliest in the UK to adopt the multi-parametric MRI as a first-line investigative tool.

  • MRI-targeted biopsy

    An MRI-targeted prostate biopsy is a new technique in prostate surgery developed by our team. The targeted approach offers greater accuracy than previous blind biopsies, which take random samples and can miss disease.

    We conduct all biopsies through the perineum (transperineal biopsy) rather than the rectum, reducing the risk of infection.