Dr. Robert Bard, a leader in radiological diagnostics, advocates for 3D Doppler imaging’s role in non-invasive cancer detection, particularly in breast, prostate, and skin cancers. Highlighting its precision and the reduced need for biopsies, Bard notes the improved clarity and data richness of this technology. He also discusses the future potential of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography as emerging diagnostic tools, with an emphasis on their global use and non-invasive nature in cancer assessment.
As the esteemed director of Bard Cancer Diagnostics in New York and a respected member of the Imaging Technology News (ITN) advisory board, Dr. Robert L. Bard is at the forefront of pioneering diagnostic imaging technology. In a detailed discussion with ITN, Dr. Bard provides insight into how innovative 3D Doppler imaging is revolutionizing cancer detection and treatment.
ITN delved into the practical applications of 3D Doppler imaging in radiology, exploring its potential as a non-invasive biopsy substitute with Dr. Bard.
ITN: Dr. Bard, could you explain how 3D Doppler imaging has become a tool in radiology for diagnostics, possibly even replacing biopsy procedures?
DR. BARD: The journey of 3D Doppler started with examining shoulder tissues and expanded rapidly to detecting various cancers. Initially, it allowed us to observe fetal development intricately. However, our focus shifted to leveraging it for visualizing and analyzing cancer across different organs, like the breast, prostate, and skin. 3D Doppler imaging is especially pivotal in the diagnosis and aggression assessment of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer among women aged 25 to 45. This technique’s ability to detect and measure blood flow aids in distinguishing cancerous inflammation from other types. With the data-rich imagery obtained within seconds, comparisons with previous scans are simplified, reducing the need for repeated patient visits.
ITN: What benefits does power Doppler sonography offer specifically for prostate exams?
DR. BARD: This ultrasound-based technique is transformative due to its non-invasive and immediate imaging capabilities. I recall a moment from three decades ago when the accuracy of prostate biopsy was alarmingly low. Today, high-frequency 3D probes offer significantly higher resolution compared to traditional methods, making it a superior alternative for prostate imaging. The images captured are clearer and allow for better examination of the prostate capsule, which aids in early and accurate diagnosis.
ITN: Beyond 3D Doppler, what other advancements in diagnostic radiology can you share?
DR. BARD: Advancements such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography are worth noting. CEUS has been crucial for detecting liver cancer and monitoring bone healing by enhancing blood flow visibility. The advent of microbubble technology improves the detail and accuracy of these scans. In prostate cancer detection, MRI has undergone transformative changes, moving from invasive endo-rectal probes to more patient-friendly methods with higher diagnostic accuracy. Meanwhile, elastography offers a non-invasive evaluation alternative, with significant adoption in Europe, Japan, and China. It is particularly effective in identifying cancerous tissues in organs like the thyroid, breast, prostate, and liver without the need for invasive biopsies. Elastography is a promising tool that may become a global standard in early cancer detection.
