"mpTRUSPA Paper"

"Real-time, non-ionizing multiparametric imaging is highly desirable for improved detection and management of prostate cancer (PCa). Despite its limited sensitivity, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) remains the clinical standard for real-time prostate visualization and guiding needle biopsies. Even multiparametric ultrasound (mpUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided TRUS biopsies face challenges, including misalignment between MRI and TRUS images and the absence of real-time molecular contrast. To address these limitations, we present the development and systematic validation of a first-of-its-kind multiparametric transrectal ultrasound and photoacoustic (mpTRUSPA) imaging system capable of real-time mapping of structural (echogenicity), molecular (hypoxia), functional (angiogenesis and vascular perfusion), and mechanical (stiffness) biomarkers of PCa. We further introduce novel data acquisition sequences and processing methods to improve mpTRUS image fidelity. Experimental validation using multi-contrast phantoms and  in-vivo mouse models of subcutaneous PCa demonstrates that the proposed mpTRUSPA system holds promise for high-sensitivity, real-time, multiparametric image guided prostate biopsy. "