A Review of Imaging Methods for Prostate Cancer Detection

Abstract

Imaging is playing an increasingly important role in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). This review summarizes the key imaging modalities—multiparametric ultrasound (US), multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI–US fusion imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging—used in the diagnosis and localization of PCa. Emphasis is laid on the biological and functional characteristics of tumors that rationalize the use of a specific imaging technique. Changes to anatomical architecture of tissue can be detected by anatomical grayscale US and T2-weighted MRI. Tumors are known to progress through angiogenesis—a fact exploited by Doppler and contrast-enhanced US and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. The increased cellular density of tumors is targeted by elastography and diffusion-weighted MRI. PET imaging employs several different radionuclides to target the metabolic and cellular activities during tumor growth. Results from studies using these various imaging techniques are discussed and compared.

Previous, Current, and Future Pharmacotherapy and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer—A Comprehensive Review

“…As mentioned above, the diagnosis of prostate cancer often utilizes imaging tests: Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI gives a better resolution in soft tissues than ultrasound and is used to determine the place where a biopsy of a gland will be performed [38,39]. Moreover, imaging with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) may increase detection of PCa.…”

An efficient MRI agent targeting extracellular markers in prostate adenocarcinoma

“…Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequent tumor affecting males in the world and the second most cancer-related cause of death for males in Europe. 1,2 Consequenly to the continuous increase of population age, in the near future the pathologic cases will sensibly increase, especially in Western countries. 3 Currently, the evaluation of the blood level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is considered a good and cheap prognostic marker for PCa.…”

Development of a high throughput (HT) Raman spectroscopy method for rapid screening of liquid blood plasma from prostate cancer patients

“…Clinically there are several means of detecting prostate cancer including B-mode ultrasound, biopsy, and tumor marker screening, although each of these techniques possess some disadvantages. B-mode ultrasound images the formed solid tumor in the prostate gland and thus can only detect patients that have progressed through the early stages of cancer 2 . Biopsy is the gold standard for detection of cancer, but it is invasive and impractical for a high-risk patient with multiple suspicious lesions, and particularly so for deep-seated cancers such as that of the prostate.…”