Study Summary

The goal of this retrospective investigation was to evaluate whether preprostatectomy 3-T multiparametric MRI (T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging) of the prostate could predict biochemical recurrence in a cohort of 282 men with prostate cancer. The median follow-up was 26 months (range, 12-48 months). The median interval between radical prostatectomy and biochemical recurrence was 14 months (range, 3-32 months). Univariate analysis showed that all imaging parameters and clinical variables (baseline serum prostate-specific antigen [PSA] level, clinical stage, and Gleason score at biopsy), were significantly associated with biochemical recurrence. On multivariate analysis, baseline PSA level, Gleason score at biopsy, and imaging evidence of tumor were independent predictors of biochemical recurrence. However, the MRI-based tumor presence was associated with higher hazard ratios (HRs) than those for PSA level and Gleason score at biopsy (HRs, 2.38 for MRI, 1.34 for Gleason score, and 1.05 for PSA). Park and colleagues concluded that preprostatectomy 3-T MRI of the prostate may be useful in predicting biochemical recurrence after prostatectomy. Viewpoint Prostate cancer is a major public health problem. Radical prostatectomy is a common treatment approach with curative intent for localized prostate cancer. Unfortunately, up to 35 % of patients (or more in select high-risk groups) may experience biochemical recurrence within a decade of primary therapy.[1] It would be clinically meaningful if a