Peter L. Choyke, MD, FACP, director, Molecular Imaging Program, head, Imaging Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, discusses advances in imaging for prostate cancer.

Investigators at the National Cancer Institute developed a method of fusing images from MRI to ultrasound images. This method allows for radiologists to do fusion biopsies of prostate cancer, and has now become an increasingly popular imaging method, Choyke says.

Another increasingly popular method is doing PET scans that target prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA), which occur on more aggressive prostate cancers. This is very specific, says Choyke, and a lot of things about the disease are being discovered with this technology. PET scans that target PSMA provide a changing picture of the disease, Choyke says, which provides a deeper understanding of the disease.

Investigators are also combining more traditional PET imaging such as sodium fluoride bone scans with PSMA. These new modalities and combinations will bring about a greater understanding of how to manage patients with prostate cancer, Choyke says.

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Peter L. Choyke, MD, FACP, director, Molecular Imaging Program, head, Imaging Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, discusses advances in imaging for prostate cancer.
 

Dr. Choyke on Advancements in Imaging for Prostate Cancer

Peter L. Choyke, MD, head, Imaging Section, program director, Molecular Imaging Program, National Cancer Institute, explains that the goal of molecular imaging research is to find imaging probes that match up with targeted therapies, which can be very diverse and occupy many different pathways in cancer.

A clear need exists for new molecular imaging probes that are able to select patients who are most appropriate for highly targeted cancer treatments. Additionally, probes are needed that can be used to monitor and detect when a patient responds. Optimal outcomes can be achieved by predicting the efficacy of treatment before progression or resistance occurs.

Choyke explains that research into new imaging probes and tests for the rapidly expanding field of targeted therapies is currently underway at the NCI Molecular Imaging Program.

Dr. Peter Choyke, from the National Cancer Institute, Molecular Imaging Program, Discusses Current Molecular Imaging Research.

Peter L. Choyke, MD

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Dr. Choyke on Advancements in Imaging for Prostate Cancer

Dr. Peter Choyke Discusses Molecular Imaging Research