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Contrast imaging of the prostate is based on rapid-sequence MRI after dynamic Gadolinium injection and contrast ultrasound after injection of microbubbles. MRI can be performed routinely on all available machines. Contrast ultrasound requires specific software not yet available on all machines. The two techniques are designed to improve the reliability of imaging, as a complement to MR spectroscopy, to localize prostate cancer MRI can detect suspicious enhancement in the peripheral zone, but especially in the transitional zone after one or a series of negative posterior biopsies to target a new series of biopsies. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique have yet to be determined. The objective of contrast ultrasound is to improve cancer detection on the first series of biopsies by multiplying sextant biopsies in sites where the contrast kinetics are suggestive of a primary lesion. However, this technique cannot yet be recommended in routine practice, as the modalities of injection of the latest generation of microbubbles (bolus or infusion) need to be evaluated.

The follow-up of prostate cancer is especially justified now that effective treatment options are available in the case of recurrence. Conditions of follow-up of patients with prostate cancer vary according to age, comorbidities, tumour stage, prognostic factors at diagnosis and the pervious treatment sequence.

Objective: To define the modalities of prostatic biopsies in patients with suspected prostate cancer, particularly concerning prevention of complications, the number of biopsies and the biopsy schemes ensuring an optimal cancer detection rate, and recording of prognostic elements, all with an acceptable morbidity,, Method: Review of the literature., Results: Information before biopsy: A preliminary visit with oral and written information is necessary before any biopsy procedure in order to: describe the modalities of the procedure to improve the patient's cooperation, detect contraindications, guide preparation, explain the risks and elements of surveillance, and describe the management in the case of complications (level of evidence: IV-3). PREPARATION BEFORE BIOPSY: A single dose of prophylactic antibiotic is necessary before the examination. Longer antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary in patients with risk factors for infection (level of evidence: II). A rectal enema is recommended (level of evidence: III). Routine urine bacteriology and blood coagulation tests are unnecessary (level of evidence: II). In patients taking anticoagulants, this treatment must be stopped before the examination (level of evidence: IV-2). BIOPSY TECHNIQUE: Local anaesthesia with 1% lidocaine by ultrasound-guided injection into the periprostatic spaces is recommended to improve tolerability, when the number of biopsies is > 6 (level of evidence: II-2). General anaesthesia may be necessary in a minority of cases, for local anatomical reasons or when preferred by the patient. Prostatic aspiration biopsies should be performed via a transrectal approach with ultrasound guidance, especially in the absence of a palpable lesion (level of evidence: IV-1). The examination must start with digital rectal examination and complete analysis of the echostructure of the prostate to identify suspicious zones that will also be aspirated. Biopsy scheme as a function of stage: In the case of palpable or visible lesion (stage T2 or T3), at least six transrectal ultrasound-guided lateral sextant biopsies including the peripheral glandular zone at the base, in the middle and at the apex of each lobe as well as a biopsy in a suspicious zone are necessary for cancer detection and staging. Each biopsy must be identified or embedded separately to facilitate identification by the pathologist (level of evidence: IV-1). In the absence of palpable or visible lesion (stage T1a, b, c), another 6 sextant midlobar biopsies are recommended (12 biopsy plan). In the case of prostate volume < 40-50 cm3, the two midlobar biopsies of the apex may be eliminated (10 biopsy plan) (level of evidence: III-2). In the case of prostate volume > 40-50 cm3, anterior biopsies (4 additional biopsies, 16 biopsy scheme) including the glandular zone of benign hyperplasia are not routinely recommended (level of evidence: III-2). In stage T4, a biopsy in each lobe is sufficient for histological confirmation of the diagnosis., Conclusion: Complementary studies are necessary to validate the 12 biopsy or 16 biopsy plans, especially as a function of prostatic volume, clinical stage and biopsy sequence (first or second series).

Imaging of prostate cancer relies mainly on ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It plays a diagnostic role in detecting and staging prostate carcinomas. Prostate biopsies are performed under endorectal US guidance at best with additional colour Doppler information. US also may provide useful information regarding the significance of an abnormal digital rectal examination sometimes related to some benign prostate alterations that can mimic a neoplastic nodule. In all cases imaging studies need to be interpreted in light of clinical and biological data including the results of biopsy especially in staging carcinoma with MR. Finally, CT and scintigraphy are helpful in screening for distant metastases.