A bimodal fluorescence and ultrasound probe to guide prostate biopsy

Finding a way to combine ultrasound and fluorescence optical imaging on an endorectal probe may improve early detection of prostate cancer. The ultrasound provides morphological information about the prostate while the optical system detects and locates fluorophore marked tumors. PROSTAFLUO Project allowed us to develop a bimodal probe to improve prostate cancer diagnosis. The protocol consists in the injection of a fluorescent marker targeting the tumor. Near Infrared light is used to scan the prostate and excite the fluorescent marker. This light is collected by optical fibers and a dedicated method localizes the tumor in three dimensions. Its position is coregistrated with the ultrasound image to allow the biopsy needle to target the tumor. The probe was validated on it tissue-mimicking phantom, which is representative of prostate tissues both on its optical (absorption mu a and diffusion mu s') and its ultrasound properties and on small animal. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.