Comprehensive Summary
This study conducted by Yan et al. uses bibliometric analysis to find the spatiotemporal distribution, collaboration networks, and thematic evolution of global transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) research in prostate cancer. Methods involved literature search and data screening where a combination of subject terms were used during a time range between 2015-2024 to process data such as removing redundant publication and screening other aspects of the papers. The annual TRUS-related publications rose in 2019 and rose again in 2023 as AI-assisted biopsy methods became more widely adopted. North America maintained its position as the dominant research hub, with growing technical contributions from countries like South Korea and Australia. Institutions and journals increasingly shifted toward AI and fusion-biopsy–focused work, reflecting a clear technological transformation in the field. Recent advances in TRUS technology, especially CEUS, elastography, and high-resolution micro-ultrasound, have greatly improved prostate cancer detection accuracy and helped in the limitations of 2d imaging. At the same time, global research patterns show strong output from the U.S. and emerging contributions from countries like China and India, while AI integration is turning TRUS into a more precise, automated diagnostic tool.
Outcomes and Implications
This research is important because it talks about how rapidly evolving technologies are improving the efficiency, and global accessibility of prostate cancer diagnosis. It also clarifies which countries, institutions, and methods are helping in the process of innovation, helping steer future research. Clinically, the integration of multimodal imaging and AI-enhanced TRUS is already improving by making the findings directly relevant to patient care. Many of these technologies like CEUS, elastography, micro-ultrasound, and AI-assisted fusion systems are either in active clinical use or entering late-stage validation, which would mean that broader clinical adoption is likely within the next few years.