Improving MRI techniques to better diagnose prostate cancer

Validation, Calibration, and Translation of Restriction Spectrum Imaging Signal Maps to enhance MRI diagnostic capabilities in Prostate Cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11177541

This study is working on a new way to use MRI scans to better spot prostate cancer by creating detailed images that can help doctors find suspicious areas, which could mean fewer unnecessary biopsies and more accurate diagnoses for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11177541 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of MRI for prostate cancer by developing a new imaging biomarker using restriction spectrum imaging (RSI). The approach involves a non-invasive method that utilizes targeted magnetic RSI-MRI sequences to create detailed signal maps of the prostate. These maps help identify and quantify suspicious areas that may indicate cancer, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies and improving the accuracy of diagnoses. The study is a collaboration between academic and industry partners to ensure the method is clinically useful and widely implementable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are men who are at risk for prostate cancer or have elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced prostate cancer or those who have already undergone treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of prostate cancer, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Similar imaging techniques have shown promise in improving cancer diagnostics, suggesting that this approach could also be effective.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.