Northampton General Hospital has become the first NHS hospital in the East Midlands to buy an innovative biopsy machine designed to improve and speed up prostate cancer diagnosis.

The new technology allows doctors to carry out highly targeted prostate biopsies by digitally combining MRI and ultrasound scans, helping them identify potential tumours with greater accuracy.

Hospital bosses say the approach can reduce the need for patients to undergo repeat biopsies, potentially shortening the time between investigation, diagnosis and starting the most appropriate treatment.

The machine was funded through donations to Northamptonshire Health Charity and is the latest expansion of specialist prostate cancer services at Northampton General Hospital (NGH).

Chandran Tanabalan and Northants Health Chariety chief executive Jonathan McGee at the launch of the service

placeholder image — Chandran Tanabalan and Northants Health Chariety chief executive Jonathan McGee at the launch of the service

Mr Chandran Tanabalan, focal therapy lead and consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, said: “By offering new MRI fusion-guided biopsies to all patients on our prostate cancer pathway, we can diagnose cancer more accurately and start the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

“The quicker results can also sometimes provide greater reassurance to patients during what can be a very anxious time.”

The hospital has also introduced two focal therapy treatments following a fundraising appeal by Northamptonshire Health Charity.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), which uses focused sound waves to destroy cancerous tissue, was introduced in June 2025, followed by Nanoknife treatment in November. Nanoknife uses a high-voltage electrical current to target tumours while helping preserve surrounding healthy prostate tissue.

Almost 100 men have now received focal therapy at the hospital.

Mr Tanabalan said every procedure had been completed safely with no significant complications, with almost all patients returning home on the same day.

Early follow-up has also shown a significant reduction in PSA levels after three months, while most patients reported no change in erectile function following treatment.

Jonathan McGee, chief executive of Northamptonshire Health Charity, who has prostate cancer himself, said he was “acutely aware” of the importance of more effective diagnosis and less invasive treatments.

He added: “Thanks to our generous donors, we are extremely proud to have been able to support this transformational service and equipment which makes such a difference for patients.”

A men’s health and wellbeing event will also be held at NGH’s Cripps Postgraduate Medical Centre on Friday, November 6, featuring information about prostate cancer, focal therapy and other health support services.