Prostate cancer - the role of magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Background. This article reviews the potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in prostate cancer diagnosis. Methods. Systematic scan of Pubmed, Ovid, Medline, Elsevier search engines was used, additional information was found through bibliographic review of relevant articles. Results. Substantial progress has been made in the imaging of prostate cancer in MR imaging, as well as in advanced MR spectroscopy. Conclusions. MRI is a non-invasive and direct imaging modality useful for cancer staging, therapy response, detection of recurrence and guided biopsy in previous negative biopsies. MRI with 3.0 T system, whole-body MRI, dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS) have improved tumor staging, assessment of tumor volume, aggressiveness or recurrence. Implementation of endorectal/phased array superficial MRI findings on 1.5 or 3.0 T systems into nomograms for prostate pretreatment prediction is warranted. Surface phasedarray coil MRI accurately defines prostate cancer with elevated risk of extraprostatic disease.

The value of diffusion-weighted imaging in the detection of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

“…Previous studies have demonstrated that DWI was a feasible method to detect PCa. Meanwhile, DWI was also considered to play an important role in monitoring therapy response, evaluating cancer aggressiveness and metastasis, guiding targeted biopsy and patient follow-up [49]. Nevertheless, all applications referred to above were based on an accurate diagnosis of PCa.…”

A prospective study of the efficacy of magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging for predicting locally advanced prostate cancer

“…Several diagnostic procedures with different accuracy rate have been used for local tumor staging of PC. [9][10][11] One such modality is CT. The main role of CT in the evaluation of PC is nodal staging and detection of local advancement of tumor to adjacent structures; however, it has no significant efficacy in the assessment of primary tumors.…”

“…The main role of CT in the evaluation of PC is nodal staging and detection of local advancement of tumor to adjacent structures; however, it has no significant efficacy in the assessment of primary tumors. [11] MRI has been utilized to diagnose and stage PC. [11][12][13] reported a 13%-95% sensitivity and a 49%-97% specificity for MRI in the detection of extracapsular extension (ECE).…”

“…[11] MRI has been utilized to diagnose and stage PC. [11][12][13] reported a 13%-95% sensitivity and a 49%-97% specificity for MRI in the detection of extracapsular extension (ECE). [9] Developments in MRI technology improved tumor localization and detection of ECE.…”

“…[9] Developments in MRI technology improved tumor localization and detection of ECE. [11] Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging is a new technology in MRI that evaluates metabolic changes, including choline, citrate, and creatine levels, among tumoral tissues. A significant rise in choline and creatinine to citrate ratio (Cho+Cr/Cit) is associated with the detection of PC.…”