Metabolic MRI to improve prostate cancer detection
Pilot Project 1
A new MRI method combined with AI to better find and map aggressive prostate cancer in men using standard 3T scanners.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196095 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get a non-invasive MRI scan that uses a chemical-sensitive technique (glucose-enhanced CEST) together with machine learning to show tumor metabolism and blood flow. The team will train deep-learning super-resolution models on simulated high-resolution metabolic images built from vascular networks and metabolic rates to sharpen the images. They will then compare and validate those personalized metabolic maps against clinical MR angiography and anatomical scans. The goal is clearer, more precise imaging of aggressive prostate tumors without extra invasive procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with suspected or known prostate cancer, especially those at higher risk for aggressive disease or living in areas with a high prostate cancer burden, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or patients whose care depends on tissue-based molecular tests may not receive direct benefit from this imaging-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow earlier and more accurate detection and mapping of aggressive prostate tumors and reduce reliance on invasive biopsies.
How similar studies have performed: Early research on CEST MRI and AI-based super-resolution shows promise for metabolic imaging, but combining these methods for clinical prostate diagnosis is largely novel and still being proven.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deville, Curtiland — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Deville, Curtiland
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.