Triexponential function analysis of diffusion-weighted MRI for diagnosing prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and characterization rely on advanced imaging techniques.
• Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is crucial for noninvasively assessing tissue microstructure.
• Limitations exist in standard DWI analysis for detailed PCa evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate detailed diffusion and perfusion information in prostate cancer (PCa) noninvasively.
• To utilize triexponential analysis of DWI for enhanced PCa characterization.
• To compare triexponential analysis with biexponential analysis for PCa assessment.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-three prostate cancer patients underwent 3.0 Tesla MRI with eight b-values DWI.
• Triexponential analysis was applied to obtain diffusion coefficients (Dp, Df, Ds) and fractions (Fp, Ff, Fs).
• Diffusion parameters were compared between cancerous lesions and normal tissues, and correlated with Gleason score (GS), K(trans), Ve, and histopathological intracellular space.

Main Results:

• Dp was significantly higher in cancerous lesions than normal peripheral zone (PZ).
• Ds was significantly lower in cancerous lesions in both PZ and transition zone (TZ).
• Dp correlated significantly with K(trans), and Fs correlated with intracellular space fraction and GS.

Conclusions:

• Triexponential analysis provides more detailed noninvasive information on PCa diffusion and perfusion compared to biexponential analysis.
• This advanced DWI analysis method holds promise for improved PCa characterization.
• The findings support the clinical utility of triexponential analysis in prostate cancer imaging.