Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound
Published on: March 21, 2025
Prostate cancer: correlation of intravoxel incoherent motion MR parameters with Gleason score
Dal Mo Yang1, Hyun Cheol Kim1, Sang Won Kim1
1Department of Radiology, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Purpose:
To evaluate the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging to predict histological prognostic parameters by investigating whether IVIM parameters correlate with Gleason score.
Materials And Methods:
The institutional review board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was waived. A total of 41 patients with histologically proven prostate cancer who underwent prostate MRI using a 3T MRI machine were included. For eight diffusion-weighted imaging b-values (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 800s/mm(2)), a spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence was performed. D, f, D(⁎), and ADCfit values were compared among three groups of patients with prostate cancer: Gleason score 6 (n=9), 7 (n=16), or 8 or higher (n=16). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for D, f, D(⁎), and ADCfit to assess the ability of each parameter to distinguish cancers with low Gleason scores from cancers with intermediate or high Gleason scores.
Results:
Pearson's coefficient analysis revealed significant negative correlations between Gleason score and ADCfit (r=-0.490, P=.001) and Gleason score and D values (r=-0.514, P=.001). Gleason score was poorly correlated with f (r=0.168, P=.292) and D(⁎) values (r=-0.108, P=.500). The ADCfit and D values of prostate cancers with Gleason scores 7 or ≥8 were significantly lower than values for prostate cancers with Gleason score 6 (P<.05). ROC curves were constructed to assess the ability of IVIM parameters to discriminate prostate cancers with Gleason score 6 from cancers with Gleason scores 7 or ≥8. Areas under the curve were 0.671 to 0.974. ADCfit and D yielded the highest Az value (0.960-0.956), whereas f yielded the lowest Az value (0.633).
Conclusions:
The pure molecular diffusion parameter, D, was the IVIM parameter that best discriminated prostate cancers with low Gleason scores from prostate cancers with intermediate or high Gleason scores.
Insights
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging shows promise for predicting prostate cancer aggressiveness. The diffusion parameter D effectively differentiates low Gleason score cancers from higher-grade tumors.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Prostate cancer grading relies on Gleason score, a key prognostic factor.
- Histopathological assessment of Gleason score can be subjective.
- Novel imaging techniques are needed for non-invasive prediction of tumor aggressiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging's potential in predicting prostate cancer prognostic parameters.
- To investigate the correlation between IVIM parameters and Gleason score.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 41 prostate cancer patients undergoing 3T MRI.
- Acquisition of diffusion-weighted imaging across eight b-values (0-800 s/mm²).
- Comparison of IVIM parameters (D, f, D⁎, ADCfit) across Gleason score groups (6, 7, ≥8) and ROC curve analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant negative correlations found between Gleason score and ADCfit (r=-0.490) and D values (r=-0.514).
- Lower ADCfit and D values observed in higher Gleason score groups (7 or ≥8) compared to Gleason score 6.
- The diffusion parameter D demonstrated the highest accuracy (Az=0.960) in discriminating low from intermediate/high Gleason scores.
Conclusions:
- The pure molecular diffusion parameter D from IVIM imaging is a valuable tool for differentiating low Gleason score prostate cancer from more aggressive tumors.
- IVIM parameters, particularly D, show potential for non-invasively predicting histological prognostic parameters in prostate cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
01:22Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
01:19Imaging Studies VII: Vascular Imaging
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...