Prostate cancer screening currently consists of serum prostatespecific antigen and digital rectal examination, followed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. Although the current paradigm of prostate cancer screening has led to a decrease in advanced disease and cancer-related mortality, these techniques have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity, resulting in missed cancers that are clinically significant and the overdetection of clinically insignificant cancers. New imaging techniques and technologies are required to improve the detection of prostate cancer. This article summarizes the use of novel ultrasound techniques and technologies in the detection, biopsy, and treatment of prostate cancer.

Background. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cervical secretions for preterm delivery before 34+0 gestational weeks in patients with preterm labor. Methods. In this prospective study, 31 patients were enrolled with preterm labor and intact membranes. Cervical swabs were taken on admission and the concentration of IL-6 was measured. The gestational age at the time of admission and delivery, as well as the time interval to delivery, were evaluated and compared with the concentration of IL-6 on admission.Results. Cervical IL-6 was significantly elevated in the preterm delivery group (< 34+0 gestational weeks, p < 0.05). Choosing 20 pg/ml as a cut-off concentration, cervical IL-6 had a sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%, a specificity of 67% and a positive predictive value of 47%. Concerning the time interval to delivery, the sensitivity of IL-6 was 100% and the specificity 57% for delivery within 2 days and 100% and 64% for delivery within 7 days. Conclusions. Cervical IL-6 is a new, promising diagnostic tool to identify patients at high risk of preterm delivery.

Cervical IL-6 is a new, promising diagnostic tool to identify patients at high risk of preterm delivery.