Prostate cancer imaging

Acta Radiol. 2008 Feb;49(1):107-20. doi: 10.1080/02841850701545821.

Abstract

As prostate cancer is a biologically heterogeneous disease for which a variety of treatment options are available, the major objective of prostate cancer imaging is to achieve more precise disease characterization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may enhance the staging of prostate cancer compared with clinical evaluation, transrectal ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT), and allows concurrent evaluation of prostatic, periprostatic, and pelvic anatomy. In clinical practice, the fusion of MRI or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) is improving the evaluation of cancer location, size, and extent, while providing an indication of tumor aggressiveness. Pretreatment knowledge of these prognostic variables is essential for achieving minimally invasive, patient-specific therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Prostate / diagnostic imaging
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*