Prostate Microstructure Characterization via Diffusion MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for prostate cancer, such as radical prostatectomy and systematic biopsies, often result in over-treatment due to the inability to accurately predict the Gleason score pre-operatively, leading to unnecessary side effects and inefficiencies in treatment selection.
Innovation Solution
A system, method, and computer-accessible medium for characterizing prostate microstructure using water diffusion and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation, which involves generating specific MR RF pulses, determining compartmental information, and applying microstructural models to quantify diffusion tensor anisotropy and relaxation parameters, enabling more precise differentiation between tissue types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If systematic biopsy is performed to diagnose prostate cancer, then detection capability is improved, but over-treatment occurs due to inability to accurately predict Gleason score pre-operatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of prostate tissue microstructure using diffusion MRI and NMR relaxation measurements before biopsy and treatment decisions are made. By obtaining compartment-specific diffusion tensors and relaxation times pre-operatively, the system enables prediction of Gleason score and identification of clinically significant cancer, allowing treatment decisions to be based on accurate pre-operative assessment rather than relying solely on post-biopsy results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive biopsy system with a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging-based characterization system. By using diffusion MRI and NMR relaxation measurements to directly probe tissue microstructure and compartmental properties, the system substitutes the need for physical tissue sampling, enabling accurate Gleason score prediction without the harms associated with systematic biopsy and over-treatment.
2Reliability
If radical prostatectomy is performed to treat prostate cancer, then cancer removal is achieved, but quality of life deteriorates due to sexual and urinary problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing compartment-specific characterization of prostate tissue, distinguishing between different tissue compartments (intra-cellular, extra-cellular, glandular lumen) and their specific diffusion and relaxation properties. This localized microstructural information enables precise identification of malignant versus benign tissue regions, allowing for targeted treatment of only the cancerous areas rather than blanket removal of the entire prostate, thereby preserving quality of life while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary non-invasive characterization of prostate microstructure and Gleason score prediction before treatment decisions are made. By accurately identifying clinically significant cancer pre-operatively through diffusion MRI and NMR relaxation measurements, the system enables selection of appropriate treatment strategies (such as active surveillance for low-grade cancer versus targeted therapy for high-grade cancer), avoiding unnecessary radical prostatectomy and its associated quality of life impacts while ensuring effective treatment when needed.
3Ease of operation
If diffusion MRI is used to characterize prostate tissue, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient for reliable Gleason score prediction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prostate tissue into distinct compartments (intra-cellular, extra-cellular, and glandular lumen compartments) and measuring diffusion and relaxation properties specific to each compartment. By separating the tissue characterization into compartment-specific parameters rather than bulk tissue measurements, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision for reliable Gleason score prediction while maintaining non-invasive operation through diffusion MRI and NMR relaxation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying diffusion time and echo time in the MRI sequence to probe different aspects of tissue microstructure. By measuring compartment-specific diffusion tensors at multiple diffusion times and NMR relaxation times at different echo times, the system extracts multiple parameters (intra-cellular diffusivity, extra-cellular diffusivity, glandular lumen fraction, T1 and T2 relaxation times) that collectively provide sufficient precision for Gleason score prediction while maintaining non-invasive measurement through diffusion MRI.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for improved characterization of prostate tissue microstructure, enhancing the accuracy of Gleason score prediction and reducing over-treatment by providing non-invasive, compartment-specific time-dependent diffusion tensors and relaxation times, thereby facilitating more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
Implementation Method 1
characterizing a microstructure for each of the compartments by applying a microstructural model(s) to each of the compartments... using water diffusion and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation
Implementation Method 2
characterizing a microstructure for each of the compartments by applying a microstructural model(s) to each of the compartments... using water diffusion and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary system, method and computer-accessible medium for characterizing a microstructure of a prostate of a patient can be provided, which can include, for example, generating a magnetic resonance (MR) radiofrequency (RF) pulse(s) by varying (i) a diffusion time, (ii) a diffusion gradient direction, (iii) a diffusion gradient pulse width, or (iv) a diffusion gradient pulse shape, applying the MR RF pulse(s) to the prostate of the patient, receiving a resultant MR signal from the prostate of the patient that can be based on the MR RF pulse(s), determining information regarding a plurality of compartments for the prostate from the resultant MR signal by varying an echo time or a mixing time, and characterizing the microstructure for each of the compartments by applying a microstructural model(s) to each of the compartments.