Inderbir Gill, M.D.
Detection of prostate cancer just became more accurate at the USC Institute of Urology, thanks to the addition of new technology, one of the first available in the United States.
The Institute offers the new prostate biopsy and treatment capabilities at its two prostate biopsy clinics located at USC Norris Cancer Hospital and the Doctors of USC Beverly Hills, at 9033 Wilshire Blvd.
The Institute recently acquired a new generation machine with state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging capabilities, including real-time tissue elastography and virtual sonography. These will enable 3- and 4-dimensional views of the prostate.
“Cutting-edge ultrasonography is an important tool in the detection of prostate cancer,” said Inderbir S. Gill, M.D., director of the USC Institute of Urology and professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. “This new tissue elastography software brings high-precision biopsy mapping to another level. We know that many cancers are of a different consistency than surrounding tissue, and this software enhances our chances of accurately locating them.”
Prostate cancer, the most common non-skin cancer in men, affects one in six men in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 240,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, and more than 33,000 men will die from prostate cancer. More than 2 million American men are estimated to be living with the disease.
The new machine and software further enhances currently available technologies.
“This innovative technology should allow us to achieve more accurate three-dimensional mapping and targeting of cancer,” said Osamu Ukimura, M.D., professor of urology and director of image-guided and focal therapies at the Keck School of Medicine. “This should enhance our capabilities for more appropriate selection of patients for active surveillance or targeted focal therapy of prostate cancer.”
Prostate cancer is typically discovered through a physical examination and blood test to detect prostate specific antigen (PSA). The next step often includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) imaging.
“With no one perfect imaging modality available, we can now integrate MRI, TRUS, elastography and sonography to significantly improve our chances of cancer detection,”said Ukimura.
“Such high-precision integration is important for decision-making for active surveillance and focal therapy,” said David Agus, M.D., director of the USC Norris Westside Cancer Center, co-located in Beverly Hills with the USC Institute of Urology. “These two treatment options require re-biopsying the cancer lesion over time. The precise 3-D cancer mapping that these modalities offer helps us track it down and fight it.”
For more information, or to make an appointment, go to the USC Institute Urology or call (323) 865-3700.
About the USC Institute of Urology
The USC Institute of Urology provides a complete range of sub-specialties delivering comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for urologic disorders. The Institute is comprised of 23 full-time faculty and more than 30 post-graduate residents and fellows, all committed to providing exceptional patient care in eight specialty centers. USC Institute of Urology urologists have performed more than 7,000 prostate cancer surgery cases, placing USC among the nation’s most experienced programs. The team is one of very few in the U.S. providing comprehensive treatment options for prostate cancer, including the latest robotic and laparoscopic techniques, as well as traditional open surgery, radiation therapy, seed implants, and cryotherapy.