Researchers in the United Kingdom have proved that a new type of ultrasound scan can diagnose prostate cancer with the same accuracy as expensive and time-consuming magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The findings make it easier for clinicians to screen individuals for clinically significant prostate tumors. The most frequent type of cancer among males is prostate cancer. It is a slow-growing cancer, and it is anticipated that one in every five men will die from some kind of silent prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer diagnosis might be tough. The initial diagnostic approach is usually a digital rectal examination, which is used to physically identify any prostate abnormalities. Another technique available to doctors is a blood test that measures PSA levels - a biomarker that can detect the existence of prostate cancer.
MRI scans are now the most effective method for determining the clinical relevance of prostate cancer. These scans can determine whether a malignancy requires immediate therapeutic therapy or if it can be left alone for the time being.
"MRI scans are one of the tools we employ to diagnose prostate cancer," said Hashim Ahmed, the study's principal author. "Although effective, these scans are costly, can take up to 40 minutes to complete, and are not easily accessible to all." As cancer waiting lists grow as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to develop more efficient and cost-effective testing for prostate cancer."
Multiparametric ultrasonography is a new approach for investigating prostate cancer (mpUSS). A probe inserted into the rectum is used to image the prostate using a variety of ultrasound techniques.
The results of the first large-scale trial validating the efficacy of this ultrasound test were reported in a new study published in the journal Lancet Oncology. Several hundred men at high risk of prostate cancer were recruited for the study. Each subject underwent MRI and mpUSS imaging, as well as biopsies to determine the severity of any malignancies discovered.
Multiparametric ultrasonography is a new approach for investigating prostate cancer (mpUSS). A probe inserted into the rectum is used to image the prostate using a variety of ultrasound techniques.
The results of the first large-scale trial validating the efficacy of this ultrasound test were reported in a new study published in the journal Lancet Oncology. Several hundred men at high risk of prostate cancer were recruited for the study. Each subject underwent MRI and mpUSS imaging, as well as biopsies to determine the severity of any malignancies discovered.
"This is the first study to indicate that a specific type of ultrasound scan can be used as a prospective test to detect clinically significant cases of prostate cancer," Ahmed explained. "We believe that this test can be employed in low and middle-income regions where access to pricey MRI equipment is limited and prostate cancer cases are increasing.