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A novel prediction tool to predict prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness from double inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (DIR-MRI) and Multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) techniques – (PCaPMRI)

Funding from North Staffordshire Medical Institute £8000

Lead Applicant: Eric Nduka Onwuharine
Host Institution: University Hospitals of North Midlands
e-mail: eric.onwuharine@uhnm.nhs.uk

Project summary 

Aims 

The study aims to develop a new way of grouping different levels of prostate cancer with increased accuracy.

Clinical relevance

The most reliable way to confirm prostate cancer is using thin needles to take a small amount of prostate tissue which is then looked at under a microscope for cancers (prostate biopsy). A scoring pattern called Gleason scores is used to identify how quickly the cancer can spread (cancer aggressiveness). Reports suggest that this scoring pattern can sometimes be inaccurate. MRI can sometimes be used to determine how aggressive prostate cancer might be. This study aims to use information derived from MRI to develop a new way to determine the different levels of prostate cancer with increased reliability without the need for biopsy. Potential benefits include;

  • reduced need to undergo biopsy (this can be invasive, uncomfortable and poses the risk of infection).
  • quicker diagnosis (as need for biopsy is removed)
  • to health care professionals and the NHS (waiting lists for biopsy will be reduced)