Prostate Cancer: Molecular Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Methods and Technologies Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 16 May 2025 | Viewed by 3123

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Urology, Humanitas Research Hospital, IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
2. Onze Lieve Vrouw Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
Interests: urologic oncology; diagnosis; treatment; surgical training; robotic surgery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Urology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
2. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
Interests: urologic oncology; treatment; surgery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Accurate diagnosis and staging are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach and predicting patient outcomes. Over the past few years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and molecular imaging have revolutionized the diagnostic‒therapeutic pathway of prostate cancer. MRI has transformed prostate gland imaging, offering high-resolution anatomical details and functional information. Multiparametric MRI, combining T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, enhances the detection, localization, and characterization of prostate tumors. Molecular imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), enable the visualization and characterization of specific molecular targets and metabolic processes associated with prostate cancer. These cutting-edge techniques offer invaluable insights into tumor aggressiveness, lymph node involvement, and distant metastases. Additionally, emerging techniques such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy and radiomics analysis offer further understanding of tumor biology and behavior. The integration of molecular imaging and MRI holds great potential in improving the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment planning, ultimately leading to more personalized approaches and improved patient outcomes.

Nevertheless, there are several open issues that researchers and clinicians must address. Standardized protocols and criteria are needed to ensure consistent and reliable results across different centers and studies. Cost-effectiveness and accessibility concerns need to be addressed to make these advanced imaging modalities widely available. Integration with other diagnostic modalities, such as prostate biopsy or biomarkers, is of utmost importance to enhance overall diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, long-term outcome studies are crucial to evaluate the prognostic value of molecular imaging and MRI in prostate cancer. Understanding the correlation between these imaging modalities, treatment response, disease progression, and overall survival is pivotal in establishing their role in clinical practice.

This Special Issue aims to shed light on the current state of molecular imaging and MRI for prostate cancer, with a particular focus on addressing the aforementioned challenges. By showcasing the latest research and advancements in this field, we strive to advance the field of molecular imaging and MRI for prostate cancer and pave the way for more precise and personalized approaches in its management.

Dr. Marco Paciotti
Dr. Davide Maffei
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • prostate cancer
  • prostate imaging
  • diagnosis
  • clinical staging
  • magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • fusion biopsy
  • molecular imaging
  • positron emission tomography (PET)
  • PSMA PET/CT
  • PSMA-based therapy

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 6402 KiB  
Article
Diagnostic Capability and Improved Clinical Management of 18F-DCFPyL-PSMA PET/CT in Occult Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer After Prostatectomy
by Francesco Amorelli, Palmira Foro, Juan Sebastian Blanco, Abrahams Ocanto, Augusto Natali, Lluis Fumado and Pedro Plaza
Cancers 2025, 17(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17081272 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurs in 20–50% of patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Conventional imaging often fails to detect early local or systemic recurrences at low PSA levels. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-DCFPyL PSMA offers improved sensitivity [...] Read more.
Biochemical recurrence (BCR) occurs in 20–50% of patients with localized prostate cancer (PC) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Conventional imaging often fails to detect early local or systemic recurrences at low PSA levels. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-DCFPyL PSMA offers improved sensitivity and specificity for detecting recurrent disease. This study evaluates the diagnostic capability of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT in early BCR of PC following RP and its impact on therapeutic decision-making and clinical management. Methods: In a prospective study, 85 patients with BCR (PSA 0.2–2.0 ng/mL) and negative conventional imaging underwent 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT. Detection rates (DRs) were analyzed against clinical variables, including PSA levels and PSA doubling time (DT-PSA). Lesions were classified into local recurrence, lymph node involvement, bone, and visceral disease. Therapeutic decisions were adjusted based on PET/CT findings. Results: 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT identified lesions in 53% of patients, with DRs of 31.3%, 60%, and 77.8% for PSA levels <0.5, 0.5–1, and >1 ng/mL, respectively. DRs were significantly associated with shorter DT-PSAs (<6 months: 61.5%). The lesions detected included 22.2% local recurrences, 51.1% lymph node disease, 20% bone, and 6.7% visceral involvement. ROC analysis determined optimal PSA and DT-PSA cutoffs of 0.55 ng/mL and 9.2 months, respectively. Therapeutic strategies were modified in 84.4% of PET-positive cases. Conclusions: 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting recurrent PC at low PSA levels, significantly impacting therapeutic decisions and optimizing clinical management. These findings support its integration into guidelines for managing early BCR of PC. Full article
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14 pages, 1209 KiB  
Article
Application of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/MR Imaging in Early Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer: Results of a Prospective Study of 60 Patients with Very Low PSA Levels ≤ 0.5 ng/mL
by Małgorzata Mojsak, Piotr Szumowski, Anna Amelian, Marcin Hladunski, Bożena Kubas, Janusz Myśliwiec, Jan Kochanowicz and Marcin Moniuszko
Cancers 2023, 15(16), 4185; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15164185 - 20 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2048
Abstract
The use of 18F-PSMA-1007 and the role of PET/MR in the diagnosis of prostate cancer are not conclusively confirmed. There are reports indicating the potential pros and cons of using 18F-PSMA-1007 as well as the PET/MR technique in prostate cancer recurrence, but they [...] Read more.
The use of 18F-PSMA-1007 and the role of PET/MR in the diagnosis of prostate cancer are not conclusively confirmed. There are reports indicating the potential pros and cons of using 18F-PSMA-1007 as well as the PET/MR technique in prostate cancer recurrence, but they are not yet included in the EAU guidelines. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/MR in detecting BCR lesions at very low PSA levels <0.5 ng/mL. Methods: Sixty patients with BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP) with PSA ranged 0.1–0.5 ng/mL were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent simultaneous whole-body and pelvic 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/MR. The obtained results were verified by 12-month follow-up. Results: Fifty-three lesions were detected in 45 patients with 75% detection rate. The mean PSA value was 0.31 ng/mL. Of all PSMA-positive foci, 91% were localized in the pelvis, and only 9% of lesions were located in the extrapelvic region. Local recurrences were detected in 29%, PSMA-positive lymph nodes were detected in 64% of patients and bone metastases lesions were detected in 7% of patients. Conclusions: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/MR seems to be an excellent diagnostic tool in patients with early BCR with very low PSA levels, especially with dt PSA < 6 months. The synergistic effect of combining 18F-PSMA-1007 and whole-body PET/MR with precise multiparametric assessment of pelvic lesions is of particular benefit in early BCR. Full article
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