ROCK SPRINGS — A new piece of technology is streamlining healthcare pathways for area patients with prostate issues.

Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County now has innovative MRI technology that has completely changed the approach to prostate cancer. The Promaxo MRI System allows the physician to perform MRI-targeted prostate interventions in an out-patient setting.

“In our rural area, we typically see a steady volume of prostate cancer evaluations every week, ranging from elevated PSAs to patients needing targeted biopsies,” said Dr. Cody Christensen of the Urology Clinic of Sweetwater Memorial. “Historically, access to targeted biopsies meant sending patients to larger centers typically two to three hours away, which often creates delays and travel burdens for patients. Ultimately, this led to problems with follow-up care for the patients.

“We recently introduced Promaxo as a point-of-care MRI in our workflow,” he said. “That dynamic has changed meaningfully. Instead of coordinating access at multiple facilities across the region, we can now evaluate a plan and receive targeted biopsies in a much more streamlined manner. This has reduced wait times, minimized logistical complexities for patients, and allowed us to make more confident real-time clinical decisions.”

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States include:

• More than 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer a year
• More than 35,000 deaths from prostate cancer annually, making it the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in men
• 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime

This new technology brings high-quality and precise diagnostics to patients in Sweetwater County and the surrounding area. A diagnosis of prostate cancer typically involves PSA blood test or digital rectal exam, followed by a biopsy. Promaxo says its MRI changes that: 

• It allows the physician to take an MRI and perform targeted biopsies here at home, rather than the patient traveling out of town for the procedure
• An MRI is more palatable over other diagnostic tests. It is more comfortable for the patient and is more accurate
• The system boasts a 77% cancer detection rate, an increase of 33% more clinically significant cancers, and 23% upstaged diagnosis, versus standard of care, according to the company
• The open and quiet MRI machine is designed to reduce anxiety and discomfort during procedures
• Diagnosis can be achieved early and with precision, while preserving the patient’s quality of life

“This elevates the level of care we offer within a community hospital setting,” Christensen said. “Patients no longer feel they need to leave their local care network to access high-quality diagnostics or advanced treatment pathways. That continuity is incredibly important both clinically and emotionally.”

What stands out the most is the impact on patient care.

“They’re seeing faster diagnoses, more precise interventions, and a much more patient-centered experience overall,” Christensen said. “For our population, that translates into better outcomes and a higher level of trust in the care we provide locally.”