- Date awarded: November 2026
- Location: Victoria Hospital
Fife Health Charity funding will introduce state-of-the-art MRI-ultrasound fusion technology that will help improve the diagnosis of prostate cancer for patients across Fife.
The funding will enable NHS Fife's Urology Department to introduce MRI-US fusion-guided prostate biopsy technology, a significant advancement in the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer. The equipment combines MRI images with real-time ultrasound guidance, helping clinicians target suspicious areas of the prostate with greater precision during biopsy procedures.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Scotland, with around one in ten men developing the disease during their lifetime. While MRI scans are highly effective in identifying potentially cancerous lesions, current biopsy techniques rely on clinicians matching MRI images from memory with ultrasound images during procedures. The new fusion technology provides enhanced image guidance, improving accuracy and confidence in diagnosis.
The investment is expected to deliver a range of benefits for patients, including more accurate diagnosis, earlier treatment planning, fewer repeat biopsy procedures and an improved overall patient experience. For healthcare teams, the technology will support enhanced clinical skills, reduce variation in practice and strengthen multidisciplinary decision-making.
The technology is already being used within a number of UK specialist centres and Scottish health boards. Its introduction in NHS Fife will help ensure local patients have access to the same advanced diagnostic opportunities available elsewhere.
We are delighted to approve funding for this important investment in cancer diagnostics. This technology has the potential to improve the experience and outcomes of patients undergoing investigation for prostate cancer, while also supporting innovation and clinical excellence within NHS Fife. This is a fantastic example of how the charity’s funding can make a real difference by enabling access to equipment that enhances patient care and supports our staff to deliver the best possible treatment.
The project will also include specialist training for consultant urologists, nurses and theatre staff, alongside ongoing audit and evaluation to measure improvements in diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. NHS Fife will contribute local findings to the wider evidence base supporting advances in prostate cancer diagnostics.
The introduction of MRI-US fusion technology represents a significant step forward for prostate cancer diagnostics in NHS Fife. By improving the accuracy of prostate biopsies, we will be able to provide greater confidence in diagnosis, reduce the need for some repeat procedures and support faster treatment decisions for patients. We are extremely grateful to Fife Health Charity and its supporters for making this investment possible.
