Whole-Body RSI-MRI as an Indicator for Radiation Therapy Response of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Our group has developed a novel approach to the identification and characterization of prostate cancer, termed Restriction Spectrum Imaging-Magnetic Response Imaging (RSI-MRI). We have now scanned over 1000 prostate cancer patients with this technique. We have shown that RSI-MRI improves the detection of high-grade primary prostate cancer prior to surgical decision, correlates with Gleason grade as determined by post-prostatectomy pathology, and demonstrates superior discrimination accuracy compared to standard care of imaging. RSI-MRI is a unique and novel imaging technique because the signal is derived from fundamental characteristics of the tissue microstructure. Furthermore, it is a quantitative measure that reflects the nuclear volume to cellular volume (N/C) ratio of the tissue. These features of RSI-MRI make it ideal for the detection of cancerous lesions that may be missed by other imaging modalities. Whereas current standard-of-care imaging for detection of metastatic disease relies on indirect measures of cellular characteristics, such as contrast enhancement, and also requires the use of ionizing radiation, RSI-MRI eliminates the need for ionizing radiation and is a more direct measure of cellularity. Additionally, as it reflects inherent properties that are directly relevant to the aggressiveness of tumors, such as the N/C ratio, RSI-MRI is particularly well designed for the assessment of response to radiotherapy. Although RSI-MRI has been validated for use in detecting primary prostate cancer, it has yet to be implemented as a whole body cancer staging/screening technique. We propose to capitalize on the unique features of RSI-MRI and expand the use of this imaging technique by evaluating a new whole body detection protocol that uses RSI-MRI. Using this innovative protocol, we will be able to detect metastatic disease throughout the body using intrinsic contrast based on fundamental tissue characteristics without relying on indirect contrast enhancement and potentially toxic ionizing radiation. We anticipate that WB RSI-MRI will identify metastatic disease better than existing imaging methods, enabling the detection of early metastatic disease, and enhancing our ability to treat and prolong the survival of patients with lethal metastatic disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1710618
Entities
People
- David Karow
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of California, San Diego