June 14, 2018 — Hitachi Medical Systems Europe has been awarded the contract to supply six ultrasound systems as part of the RAPID program to improve prostate cancer diagnosis across South West London. In addition to the six high-resolution Arietta ultrasound systems, the contract also includes six BiopSee image-guided fusion biopsy systems from MedCom (for which Hitachi is a European distributor) to be installed at three major hospitals. Using the two systems together will allow providers to combine multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) data with real-time ultrasound, reducing unnecessary biopsies and providing accurate targeting while reducing the number of samples needed.
The pilots for the RAPID (Rapid Assessment Prostate Imaging and Diagnosis) program have been developed through funding from RM Partners, the Cancer Alliance for west London hosted by The Royal Marsden. Three trusts are piloting RAPID – Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The RAPID approach involves the patient having an mp-MRI scan in the morning and reported immediately. If it shows areas of abnormality, the patient will then undergo a transperineal ultrasound fusion biopsy, all within the same day.
The transperineal approach, in which samples are taken through the perineum rather than the rectum, confers a comparatively low risk of sepsis, and can obviate the need for broad spectrum antibiotics and the possible development of antibiotic resistance.
Hashim Ahmed, professor and chair of urology, Imperial College London, said, “After trialling various systems on the market we felt that the Hitachi Arietta and MedCom BiopSee combination offered us the best in high-resolution imaging together with precise, accurate needle placement and an easy streamlined fusion software interface. This will help deliver a faster diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer and reduce waiting times. The safer transperineal biopsy route will also reduce infection and life-threatening sepsis rates.”
The BiopSee system fuses the mp-MRI images with the Hitachi ultrasound images in real-time, allowing highly accurate placement of the biopsy needle in the prostate to target the tumour with exceptional precision. Three-dimensional ultrasound image acquisition, rigid/elastic fusion capabilities together with precise stepper tracking and reporting software deliver an exceptional diagnostic platform supporting the RAPID programme in London.
BiopSee records and stores the location of each tissue sample. This provides comprehensive documentation and reporting of biopsy core locations for accurate management of patients requiring further treatment and therapy planning in cryotherapy, brachytherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency (RF) or other treatment programmes.
Prostate cancer diagnosis has become a national health priority in the U.K., with Prime Minister Theresa May announcing in April the government’s £75m prostate cancer drive to be administered via the National Institute for Health Research clinical research network. This initiative will see 40,000 men recruited for research into the disease, which kills more than 11,000 a year and causes great anxiety and sometimes suffering for the 47,000 men who get a diagnosis.
For more information: www.hitachi-medical-systems.eu
March 13, 2026 
