A novel ultrasound imaging technique developed at Heriot-Watt University is showing “extremely encouraging” results in early clinical trials for prostate cancer detection. The technology, which leverages super-resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUI), demonstrated a 94% sensitivity rate in tumor detection during trials at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. This advancement could provide a more reliable and cost-effective screening method compared to current practices.
The new approach, developed by Less Grey Imaging, a spin-out from Heriot-Watt University, utilizes existing ultrasound technology enhanced with a contrast agent containing millions of harmless microbubbles. These microbubbles are tracked as they flow through the prostate, and the SRUI technique highlights previously unseen tumors due to altered blood flow in cancerous tissue. The imaging test takes less than 20 minutes to administer.
Enhanced Resolution and Cost-Effectiveness
The key advantage of this technology is its ability to provide up to a 20-fold increase in resolution compared to multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI), the current standard for prostate cancer imaging. According to Less Grey Imaging, mpMRI often produces grey and difficult-to-read images, leading to missed tumors and unnecessary biopsies. Furthermore, ultrasound technology costs approximately 10% of MRI scanning, making it a more accessible and affordable option for widespread screening.
Dr. George Papageorgiou, CEO of Less Grey Imaging, stated, “Our initial clinical findings in prostate imaging align well with histopathology, highlighting its potential to reliably detect clinically significant prostate cancer.” He emphasized the potential to ensure equal opportunities for early diagnosis across all regions by integrating ultrasound more prominently into the diagnostic pathway.
Addressing Diagnostic Challenges
Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, with approximately 52,000 diagnoses in the UK each year. The current screening method, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, is considered unreliable, often leading to unnecessary MRI scans and biopsies. Studies indicate that up to 28% of clinically significant tumors are missed using mpMRI, and one in two individuals with positive MRI findings receive a negative biopsy result.
Professor Vassilis Sboros from Heriot-Watt University explained, “It’s just like looking inside the body with a microscope, allowing clinicians to see 20 times more detail than before. Even concealed tumors are possible to identify.” He added that earlier detection could radically improve treatment outcomes and reduce the number of people sent for unnecessary tests.
Clinical Impact and Future Directions
Professor Alan McNeill, a consultant urological surgeon at the Western General Hospital, described the initial trial results as “extremely encouraging,” noting that the technology has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate more targeted biopsies and treatments like focal therapy. Gary Tait, chairman of Edinburgh & Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group, expressed strong support for the technology, highlighting its potential to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved outcomes for men with prostate cancer.
With a £370,000 grant from Innovate UK, Less Grey Imaging aims to revolutionize prostate imaging, streamline workflows, reduce NHS costs, and improve patient efficiency. The technology offers clinicians an imaging tool that enables accurate diagnoses and quicker decision-making, ultimately improving the standard of care for prostate cancer patients.
