Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is superior to contrast magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT), and offers 100% sensitivity and specificity, for finding residual or recurrent kidney tumors in patients who have had a kidney-sparing procedure, according to a new study announced today at the 39th annual International Bubble Conference in Chicago.
The study assessed 193 kidney lesions in 188 patients at two medical centers over approximately six years, according to the principal investigator, Dr. Richard G. Barr, Professor of Radiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University and an officer of the International Contrast Ultrasound Society, who spoke at the conference.
“Nephron sparing procedures are now widely used to treat renal cell carcinomas, and follow up is important because recurrence can occur several years later,” Dr. Barr said.
CEUS uses ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs), which are administered intravenously to enhance the images produced by ultrasound scans, allowing for visualization of abnormal microvascular blood flow patterns in real time.
CEUS is safely and routinely used worldwide to help identify and characterize cancers, diagnose heart and vascular disease, monitor chronic gastro-intestinal diseases and monitor therapy.
“CEUS is a less expensive examination when compared to contrast MR or CT, and it does a better job of detecting residual or recurring cancer cells in the treated renal cancer while also avoiding the radiation of CT and possible kidney impairment of CT and MR contrast agents,” he added.
In addition, contrast CT or MR are not options for many patients with impaired kidneys due to potential nephrotoxicity or allergic reactions to the CT or MR contrast agents. Ultrasound contrast agents do not contain iodine or gadolinium, and are not nephrotoxic.
Renal cell carcinoma is the 13th most common cause of cancer death worldwide.
Four ultrasound contrast agents are available in various countries around the world: Sonovue (Lumason in the USA), manufactured and sold by Bracco; Definity, manufactured and sold by Lantheus; and Optison and Sonazoid, manufactured and sold by GE Healthcare.
