Clinical aspects in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Abstract

Diagnosis and treatment of primary prostate cancer (PCA) have undergone significant changes in the last few years due to modern imaging. Established and modern diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for detection and treatment of primary PCA are presented and discussed critically. Background knowledge and guideline recommendations on primary PCA are summarized and additional information from relevant publications is given. Modern imaging, in particular multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), has revolutionized the diagnostic work-up of primary PCA. Due to mpMRI, tumors are detected significantly better in both initial and re-biopsy with asignificant reduction of overdiagnosis of clinically insignificant PCA. Therapeutic approaches such as active surveillance, radical prostatectomy and focal therapies are increasingly being planned and carried out relying on MR-imaging information concerning tumor extent and tumor aggressiveness. In addition, prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA-PET/CT) has shown superiority in assessing patients with suspected biochemical recurrence and in primary staging of PCA compared to conventional imaging in terms of detection of metastases. Modern imaging, especially mpMRI and PSMA-PET/CT, has added substantial benefits in modern diagnosis and treatment of primary PCA. Moreover, multiparametric ultrasound is also apromising addition to the radiological armamentarium in the management of primary PCA.