Improving MRI maps to detect aggressive prostate cancer
Validation, Calibration, and Translation of Restriction Spectrum Imaging Signal Maps to enhance MRI diagnostic capabilities in Prostate Cancer
This project uses a new MRI method called restriction spectrum imaging to create clearer maps that help men being checked for prostate cancer find aggressive tumors more accurately.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a short, targeted RSI-MRI scan that collects multiple diffusion settings to capture water movement patterns linked to cancer. The raw images are processed with FDA-cleared software (OnQ Prostate) to produce a “restricted signal map” that highlights suspicious areas in the prostate. Researchers will compare those maps to biopsy results and standard MRI to calibrate and validate the maps. The team aims to standardize image acquisition and post-processing so these maps can be used reliably across clinics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with elevated PSA, an abnormal rectal exam, or a suspicious prostate MRI who are scheduled for or considering a prostate biopsy.
Not a fit: Men without prostate concerns, those not undergoing MRI or biopsy, or people who cannot have MRI scans (for example due to incompatible implants) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors detect aggressive prostate cancer more accurately and reduce unnecessary biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Other diffusion-based MRI techniques have shown promise for prostate cancer detection, but translating and validating RSI-MRI with standardized post-processing is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liss, Michael Andre — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Liss, Michael Andre
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.