The value of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

The value of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer has increased in importance in the past decade, which is mainly related due to the increasing incidence of prostate cancer, the most common malignancy in men. The value of conventional gray-scale US for prostate cancer detection has been extensively investigated. The introduction of US contrast agents has dramatically changed the role of US for prostate cancer detection. Advances in US techniques were introduced to further increase the role of US contrast agents. Although most of these advances in US techniques, which use the interaction of the contrast agent with the transmitted US waves are very sensitive for the detection of microbubbles, are mostly unexplored, in particular for prostate applications. First reports of contrast-enhanced US investigations of blood flow of the prostate have shown that contrast-enhanced US adds important information to the conventional US technique. We present a critical evaluation of the current status of transrectal US imaging for prostate cancer detection. Furthermore, we give background information on US contrast agents and imaging modalities. Early results of contrast-enhanced US suggest the feasibility of the use of US contrast agents to enhance US imaging of the prostate. The application of US contrast agents for the detection and clinical staging of prostate cancer is promising. However, future clinical trials will be needed to determine the promise of contrast-enhanced US of the prostate evolves into clinical application.