Multi-compartment MRI of prostate cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Multi-compartment MRI of prostate cancer
IRAS ID
135121
Contact name
Glyn Johnson
Contact email
Research summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recognized as the most sensitive means of detecting prostate abnormalities but conventional MRI is poor at distinguishing between indolent and aggressive tumours. Although quantitative methods for assessing prostate tumors, such as diffusion imaging and T2 relaxometry, have been developed, results are complicated by the microstructural complexity of prostate tissue which consists of fluid-filled glands surrounded by cellular stroma. Each of these compartments has its own distinctive MRI characteristics but current MRI methods measure only a weighted average of the two. Consequently, changes in stromal MRI parameters that might be characteristic of aggressive tumours can be masked by opposite changes in glandular parameters. The aim of this project is to develop novel methods to characterize the number, size and distribution of glands within the stroma and which will allow separate quantification of MRI metrics corresponding to each compartment.\n\nResults will be correlated with Gleason grade and the combination of MRI metrics that best distinguishes high and low grade tumours will be determined thus allowing more accurate identification of patients suitable for active surveillance.
REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/0081
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion