Advanced MRI imaging to diagnose and manage prostate cancer
Diffusion Histology Imaging: A Clinical Tool to Non-Invasively Diagnose and Manage Prostate Cancer
This project tests a new MRI-based method called diffusion histology imaging (DHI) to help men with elevated PSA or on active surveillance determine whether they have clinically important prostate cancer without repeated biopsies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a specialized MRI scan that uses a new sequence (diffusion basis spectrum imaging) and AI-style image analysis called diffusion histology imaging (DHI) to predict whether prostate tissue is cancerous and how aggressive it is. The team will apply DHI to men having an initial PSA-triggered biopsy and to men with known low-risk prostate cancer who are on active surveillance and often need repeat biopsies. Researchers will refine the DHI model using data from these groups and then test the updated model in a separate group of men undergoing PSA screening. The testing is designed to see if the method can reduce unnecessary or repeated invasive biopsies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with an elevated PSA facing a first prostate biopsy and men with known low-risk prostate cancer being followed with active surveillance are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, prior prostate surgery or radiation, or those who cannot undergo MRI (for example, due to incompatible implants) may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, DHI could reduce the need for invasive transrectal prostate biopsies and improve identification of men who need treatment versus surveillance.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary data from the investigators show high accuracy for DHI in predicting biopsy results, but DHI is newer than standard multiparametric MRI and needs confirmation in larger studies.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ippolito, Joseph Edward — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ippolito, Joseph Edward
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.