title: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and prostate cancer; a multicentre European research coordination project.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection, localisation, and follow-up of treatment for prostate cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Margot
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wink
authors.forename: Ferdinand
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Frauscher
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cosgrove
authors.forename: Jean-Yves
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chapelon
authors.forename: Leo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Palwein
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitterberger
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rouvière
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de la Rosette
authors.forename: Hessel
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wijkstra
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019160:Endosonography; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media