Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of the prostate

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is a novel MR technique that allows to interrogate pharmacokinetic processes in the tissues at a voxel level and to generate parametric maps that can be displayed for clinical interpretation. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI is an important imaging technique for the imaging of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis because it probes the microvascular networks at a microscopic level by being sensitive to the compartmentalization of tissue into the vascular and extravascular-extracellular space and to the diffusion of contrast molecules across the vascular endothelium and capillary boundaries. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has already shown to improve detection and localization of prostate cancer, to improve prediction of extracapsular extension, determination of tumor volume, and after treatment follow-up. In this article, we outline the fundamental principles of DCE-MRI and describe the application of DCE methods in the imaging of the prostate.