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Changes in apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 relaxation during radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Warren D Foltz1, Andy Wu, Peter Chung
1Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, and Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. warren.foltz@rmp.uhn.on.ca
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging : JMRI
|October 26, 2012
Summary
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 relaxation MRI show early signs of radiation therapy (RT) response in prostate cancer patients. Week 6 is optimal for detecting these changes, suggesting potential biomarker utility.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Prostate cancer management requires accurate monitoring of treatment response.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers quantitative biomarkers for assessing treatment effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess regional and temporal changes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 relaxation during radiation therapy (RT).
- To identify potential MRI biomarkers for early response detection in localized prostate cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 17 patients undergoing image-guided prostate IMRT (78 Gy/39 fractions).
- MRI acquired bi-weekly over 8 weeks, with ADC and T2 quantification in defined regions of interest (prostate, central gland, peripheral zone, tumor).
Main Results:
- Radiation therapy effects exceeded measurement repeatability.
- Week 6 was identified as an optimal time point for early response detection.
- ADC effectively detected changes in the entire prostate and tumors, while T2 was optimal for peripheral zone changes.
Conclusions:
- Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 relaxation show promise as early biomarkers of RT response.
- Further investigation is warranted to correlate these MRI findings with clinical outcomes.
