MRI methods tuned to better detect aggressive prostate cancer in African American men

Racially-associated MRI analysis and modeling for predicting aggressive prostate cancer

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11171648

Using MRI with race-specific imaging measures to improve spotting aggressive prostate cancer in African American men.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-11171648 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From your perspective, doctors will compare prostate MRI scans from African American and other men to see how tumors look different on standard readings and detailed perfusion measures (like Ktrans). They will use a portable calibration device (P4) to make perfusion measurements more consistent across different MRI machines and sites. The team will combine calibrated MRI values with modified interpretation thresholds and predictive models to better identify tumors that are likely to be aggressive. If you take part, your MRI and clinical data could help improve detection methods that may benefit men in your community.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men undergoing prostate MRI or evaluation for suspected or known prostate cancer, especially African American men.

Not a fit: Men without prostate concerns or those not having mpMRI scans are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could make MRI-based detection of aggressive prostate cancer more accurate for African American men, reducing missed or delayed diagnoses.

How similar studies have performed: Standard prostate MRI and PI-RADS help detect many cancers, and preliminary data suggest race-specific perfusion thresholds can improve detection for African American men, but the combined calibrated approach is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.