The Utility and Limitations of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

In association with the widespread use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, the numbers of men identified with early-stage prostate cancer (PCa) are increasing in the developed countries, including Japan. However, the accurate localization of PCa lesions in diagnostic imaging is still difficult because PCa has a tendency to be multifocal in the prostate gland. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) improves the detection of PCa by visualizing cancerous lesions in order to target a needle biopsy. CEUS has the potential to enable not only accurate diagnoses but also novel treatments such as focal therapy. The combination of CEUS and other modalities is expected to improve the diagnosis of PCa and its treatment.