Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can portray spatial variations in tumor heterogeneity, architecture, and its microenvironment in a non-destructive way. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between MRI parameters measured on patients in vivo, individual metabolites measured in prostatectomy tissue ex vivo, and quantitative histopathology. Fresh frozen tissue samples (n = 53 from 15 patients) were extracted from transversal prostate slices and linked to in vivo MR images, allowing spatially matching of ex vivo measured metabolites with in vivo MR parameters. Color-based segmentation of cryosections of each tissue sample was used to identify luminal space, stroma, and nuclei. Cancer samples have significantly lower area percentage of lumen and higher area percentage of nuclei than non-cancer samples (p ≤ 0.001). Apparent diffusion coefficient is significantly correlated with percentage area of lumen (ρ = 0.6, p < 0.001) and percentage area of nuclei (ρ = -0.35, p = 0.01). There is a positive correlation (ρ = 0.31, p = 0.053) between citrate and percentage area of lumen. Choline is negatively correlated with lumen (ρ = -0.38, p = 0.02) and positively correlated with percentage area of nuclei (ρ = 0.38, p = 0.02). Microstructures that are observed by histopathology are linked to MR characteristics and metabolite levels observed in prostate cancer.
Highlights
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnostic work-up of prostate cancer patients [1]
The ex vivo-measured metabolite concentrations of citrate and choline is reduced and increased, respectively, in cancer samples compared to non-cancer samples (Table 3)
There is a trend toward increased choline and decreased citrate with increased Gleason score and significantly lower citrate in Gleason score 9 samples compared to Gleason score 6 samples (p = 0.01)
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnostic work-up of prostate cancer patients [1]. In cancer areas of the prostate’s peripheral zone, T2 intensity and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) are reduced, MR Parameters and Tissue Microstructure while the choline and creatine-to-citrate ratio is increased compared to non-cancer areas [2, 3]. These cancer-related changes in MR imaging parameters may be caused by a combination of increased cellularity, reduced luminal space, and altered metabolism. Ex vivo high-resolution spectroscopy data from magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) MRS from prostate cancer can be linked to in vivo MR parameters as previously described [5], and individual metabolites can be correlated with MRI parameters
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
