The Role of Imaging in Prostate Cancer Care Pathway: Novel Approaches to Urologic Management Challenges Along 10 Imaging Touch Points

Abstract

We map out a typical prostate cancer care pathway through discussion of updates on modern imaging. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive and specific imaging tool for diagnosis and local staging, but transrectal ultrasound remains the most widely used technique for prostate biopsy guidance. Computed tomography and bone scan are useful in initial staging and recurrence detection. Novel imaging techniques in ultrasound elastography and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging allow for increased lesion detection sensitivity and have the potential to enhance biopsy, while the development of new positron emission tomography radiotracers has great promise for improved detection of local and metastatic disease in patients with biochemical recurrence.