Work

Thermally induced changes in the elastic properties of prostatic tissue: a preliminary study on ex vivo bovine samples

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective. To characterise the thermally induced changes in the elastic properties of prostatic tissue and investigate their correlation with thermal dose. Approach. Ex vivo bovine prostate samples were subjected to three heating protocols—constant-rate heating, steady-state temperature, and steady-state temperature followed by rapid cooling. Acoustic Radiation Force-based Shear Wave Elastography was used to monitor shear wave speed (SWS), and the results were interpreted in relation to thermal dose using the cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 ∘C (CEM43) scale. Main results. Thermal exposure consistently resulted in increased SWS, with increments of up to five-fold observed at temperatures above 60 ∘C in the constant-rate heating tests. Irreversible changes were also observed in the steady-state temperature test followed by rapid cooling even at thermal exposures as low as 20 CEM43 min. Significance. These findings support the potential of elastography to delineate thermally ablated regions in prostate cancer treatment and encourages further investigation on the potential of SWS to serve as a biomarker of thermal dose.

Source: Physics in Medicine and Biology

DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ae1181

Authors: Leon Zurfluh, Antonio Callejas, Antonio Gomez

Institutions: Universidad de Granada, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Ultrasound Imaging and Elastography

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,325