Invivo - Education & Training

Prostate Cancer

Emerging Technology with MRI

MRI is an emerging tool for possible early detection of prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions. MRI uses radiofrequency waves to create a detailed cross-sectional image of the prostate and surrounding tissues.

Prostate MR uses advanced magnetic resonance imaging to create very accurate and clear images of the prostate gland. These images are diagnostic quality and can be useful when diagnosing possible prostate diseases. Medical images resulting from prostate MR can be combined with powerful post-processing computer programs to provide detailed information about the prostate. This information can offer a wider variety of diagnosis and treatment options for clinicans and patients.

Images provided from MR, however, do not always indicate cancer. Prostate MR images identify specific regions of the gland that may appear suspicious and can be further evaluated through a targeted MR-guided biopsy procedure. MRI of the prostate can also be used to evaluate other prostate conditions, including prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)(enlargement of the prostate)

MR-guided biopsies may be helpful to patients who have had several sessions of TRUS-guided biopsies with negative results. Compared to published cancer yield rates of up to 15% greater with their TRUS-guided biopsies, the increased rate of detection may give greater confidence to both physicians and patients.^3***

Benefits:

• Prostate MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not require exposure to ionizing radiation.
• Prostate MRI provides clear and detailed images of the soft-tissue structures of the prostate that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (also called CT or CAT scanning). The detail makes MRI a helpful tool in early diagnosis and evaluation of tumors.^4***
• Prostate MR images can help physicians evaluate the function as well as the structure of many organs.
• MRI contrast material is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the indine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Invivo's DynaCAD and DynaTRIM

 

 

For more information visit
	UsToo.org	American Cancer Society

References
^{1* American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
2** Us TOO International, Inc. (www.ustoo.org)
3*** The Journal of Urology (R) Vol 183. 520-528, February 2010
4**** Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (www.radiologyinfo.org}