Imaging fusion in the diagnosis of prostate cancer

Abstract Ultrasonography (US) is extensively used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer; but with its disadvantages of poor sensitivity and specificity, frequently causes underdiagnosis, and over 50% of the results of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy fail to accord with those of surgical pathology. In addition to contrast-enhanced ultrasound and real-time elastography, various new ultrasonic techniques have been developed nowadays, such as prostate histoscanning, brachytherapy template-guided 3-dimensional mapping biopsy (3DMB), and MRI/US fusion. Prostate histoscanning is an ultrasound-based technology that uses computer-aided analysis to identify and characterize the foci of prostate cancer. 3DMB, involving the whole gland, has an even higher accuracy. MRI/US fusion integrates the advantages of pre-interventional MRI with those of peri-interventional ultrasonography, and offers high-resolution images and convenient puncturing. Constant development of ultrasonography will continue to add to its clinical application value.