Spectrum-analysis and neural networks for imaging to detect and treat prostate cancer. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Conventional B-mode ultrasound currently is the standard means of imaging the prostate for guiding prostate biopsies and planning brachytherapy to treat prostate cancer. Yet B-mode images do not adequately display cancerous lesions of the prostate. Ultrasonic tissue-type imaging based on spectrum analysis of radiofrequency (rf) echo signals has shown promise for overcoming the limitations of B-mode imaging for visualizing prostate tumors. This method of tissue-type imaging utilizes nonlinear classifiers, such as neural networks, to classify tissue based on values of spectral parameter and clinical variables. Two- and three-dimensional images based on these methods demonstrate potential for guiding prostate biopsies and targeting radiotherapy of prostate cancer. Two-dimensional images are being generated in real time in ultrasound scanners used for real-time biopsy guidance and have been incorporated into commercial dosimetry software used for brachytherapy planning. Three-dimensional renderings show promise for depicting locations and volumes of cancer foci for disease evaluation to assist staging and treatment planning, and potentially for registration or fusion with CT images for targeting external-beam radiotherapy.

publication date

  • July 1, 2001

Research

keywords

  • Neural Networks, Computer
  • Prostatic Neoplasms

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0035733544

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1177/016173460102300301

PubMed ID

  • 11958585

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 23

issue

  • 3