Contrast-Enhanced Transrectal Ultrasound in Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Oncology
• Ultrasound Technology

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) management increasingly utilizes focal therapy (FT).
• Advanced imaging is crucial for precise PCa diagnosis and treatment guidance.
• Contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound (CeTRUS) is an emerging technique for evaluating prostate tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the utility and implications of CeTRUS in the context of PCa focal therapy (FT).
• To explore CeTRUS applications across pre-, intra-, and post-operative phases of FT.

Main Methods:

• CeTRUS involves intravenous injection of ultrasound-enhancing agents.
• High-resolution ultrasound assesses tissue microvasculature.
• PCa is identified by increased vascular enhancement compared to benign tissue.

Main Results:

• CeTRUS can detect PCa, guide biopsies, and assist in surgical planning for FT.
• During FT, CeTRUS visualizes the treated area as a non-enhancing zone, enabling real-time adjustments.
• Post-FT, CeTRUS facilitates objective assessment of treatment response and detection of recurrence through quantifiable enhancement patterns.

Conclusions:

• CeTRUS demonstrates significant potential utility in all stages of prostate cancer focal therapy.
• The technique allows for real-time monitoring and objective assessment, aiding treatment efficacy.
• Further research with larger patient cohorts and extended follow-up is warranted to establish CeTRUS as a standard imaging modality for PCa FT.