Functional characterization of prostate cancer by integrated magnetic resonance imaging and oxygenation changes during carbogen breathing.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in oxygenation of prostate cancer induced by carbogen breathing using blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance image (MRI) with an endorectal coil (eMRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In 32 patients with biopsy-proven prostate cancer, endorectal MRI was performed at 1.5 Tesla using the BOLD method. Images were acquired during 4 x 4-minute episodes alternating between room air and carbogen (95% O2/5% CO2) breathing. In each episode, 40 images were acquired (T2*-weighted EPI sequence, 12-14 slices, 3-mm thickness). All patients underwent radical prostatectomy; BOLD-MRI findings were correlated with the histopathologic results.

RESULTS:

BOLD-MRI could be evaluated in 29 patients, and revealed heterogeneous signal changes of normal prostate and cancer tissue similar to the heterogeneity of prostate tissue in anatomic/pathologic preparation. A significant signal intensity increase (P = 0.004) was found in normal central gland and peripheral zone during carbogen breathing. Signal enhancement in carcinoma was significantly lower (P = 0.004) compared with the contralateral normal side.

CONCLUSION:

Intrinsic blood-tissue contrast-functional MRI during carbogen breathing may help detect and characterize prostate carcinoma from normal tissue, particularly in small 1-sided carcinomas. This may be useful for identifying candidates for radiotherapy and monitoring noninvasive therapeutic approaches.

• Authors: Till Diergarten, Petros Martirosian, Raimund Kottke, Ulrich Vogel, Arnulf Stenzl, Claus D Claussen, Heinz-Peter Schlemmer
• Journal: Investigative radiology (Invest Radiol) Vol. 40 Issue 2 Pg. 102-9 (Feb 2005) ISSN: 0020-9996 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15654255 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbon Dioxide
• carbogen
• Oxygen

Topics

• Aged
• Carbon Dioxide (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Oxygen (administration & dosage)
• Prostatic Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology)