Breakthrough - New Imaging test developed for Prostate cancer

Written by Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Kohli Published On 2018-04-23T20:00:49+05:30 | Updated On 11 Aug 2021 4:15 PM IST

Dundee University-based Scientists have developed an accurate and reliable technique for diagnosing prostate cancer. The researchers have used an ultrasound process called shear wave elastography (SWE) to detect prostate tumours which is non-invasive and cheaper than current detection techniques. SWE technology is already used in diagnosing breast cancer and liver diseases. In order to make it applicable to prostate cancer a special probe has been developed by the research team.This prostate cancer test is going to be a cost effective tool for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Current methods for detecting a prostate cancer include a a digital rectal examination or DRE, a blood test to determine levels prostate-specific antigen (PSA)which rises when the disease is present in the prostate,a biopsy and MRI scans.Each carries unique problem with it . PSA results can be unreliable; a DRE is not good at identifying which cancers are benign and which need treatment; MRI scans cannot always give a definitive answer; while a biopsy carries a risk of infection and is expensive.The new method aims to take are of the problems by targeting the prostate with ultrasound.It has been demonstrated that since Cancerous tissue is stiffer than normal tissue so shear waves are slowed as they pass through a tumour.

Ultrasound elastography (USE) is an imaging technology sensitive to tissue stiffness that was first described in the 1990s. Elastography-based imaging techniques have received substantial attention in recent years for non-invasive assessment of tissue mechanical properties and for yielding qualitative and quantitative information that can be used for diagnostic purposes.Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is an objective and non-invasive method widely used to quantify the tissue solidity.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States. In 2018, it was estimated that there would be around 164,700 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S.Common symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, blood in semen, and erectile dysfunction. It is unclear what causes prostate cancer, but known risk factors include age, obesity, family history, and race.

"Current diagnosis of prostate cancer is extremely inefficient, leading to unnecessary treatments for many patients," said the Dundee University team's leader, Professor Ghulam Nabi. "Our new method is far more accurate and also allows us to identify the difference between cancerous and benign tissue in the prostate without the need for invasive surgery."

"We have been able to show a stark difference in results between our technology and existing techniques such as MRI," added Nabi. "The technique has picked up cancers which MRI did not reveal. We can now see with much greater accuracy what tissue is cancerous, where it is and what level of treatment it needs. This is a significant step forward."

The research team conducted trial test of the technique in about 200 patients and found good results. The technique needs to be employed on a wider scale.This technique may fill the void of a much needed and more reliable test that can identify prostate cancer faster .It is exciting to hear of the new technique especially in a scenario when on an an average one man is dying every 45 minutes from prostate cancer in the UK.

Dundee Universitynon-invasiveprostate cancerprostate specific antigenPSAshear wave elastographySWEUltrasound elastography

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Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Kohli