Application of Ultrasonography in Image Guided Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Ultrasonography(USG)technology has been widely used in image guided radiotherapy(IGRT)for prostate cancer(PCa)based on its advantages,including guiding the placement of gold reference markers and calibration of target location.The mature USG technologies that have been applied included trans-abdominal ultrasound(TAUS),trans-rectal ultrasound(TRUS),and trans-perineal ultrasound(TPUS).This paper reviewed the application of three USG technologies above in PCa IGRT.Among them,TAUS had the simplest application process,unclear advantages,and many limitations.TRUS had relatively complex application process,obvious advantages but many limitations.TPUS had the most complex application process,obvious advantages and minimal limitations.TRUS and TPUS would become application and research hotspot in PCa IGRT.The two USG technologies would further improve the treatment gain.