UroToday - Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Prostate Cancer; A Multicentre European Research Coordination Project - Abstract

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Monday, 07 July 2008

Department

of Urology, Academic Medical Centre, University

of Amsterdam, Amsterdam,

The Netherlands.

Contrast-enhanced

ultrasound is a real-time imaging technique with the capability of visualizing

perfusion patterns. Since tumour growth is associated with changes in

vascularisation, this modality is under research for imaging of various tumour

types. Studies have shown promising results for the diagnosis of prostate

cancer for various imaging techniques; however, the exact value of each

technique is still unclear.

To

determine the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection,

localisation, and follow-up of treatment for prostate cancer.

In the

period 2002-2006, research in four European centres regarding CEUS of the

prostate was coordinated in a combined program. This paper describes and combines

the results of these studies.

Various

techniques were developed and researched during the period of this program.

Studies showed that prostate cancer could be visualized and localized in up to

78%. Visualization of the tumour enabled better detection; targeted biopsies

lead to fewer biopsies per session without loss of detection rate. A combined

approach offered the highest detection rate. CEUS could be used to visualize

the effects of high-intensity focussed ultrasound and hormonal therapy for prostate

cancer with success, and identified patients with an early relapse.

Unfortunately, pretreatment evaluation could not identify the nonresponders

beforehand.

This

research project was a first step towards routine use of CEUS in the clinical

detection and follow-up of prostate cancer; and new combined studies are

initiated.

Written

by

Wink M, Frauscher F, Cosgrove D, Chapelon JY, Palwein L, Mitterberger M, Harvey

C, Rouvière O, de la Rosette J, Wijkstra H.

Reference

Eur Urol. 2008 Jun 20. Epub ahead of print.

doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2008.06.057

PubMed

Abstract

PMID:18584944