Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of the prostate is an important tool for diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in men with an elevated serum prostate specific antigen, which can decrease the rate of unnecessary biopsies and reduce the incidence of over-diagnosis of non-csPCa. Furthermore, there is evidence that MRI is more accurate in detecting high-grade (Gleason grade group ≥3) versus low grade cancers (Gleason grade group <2) and therefore may serve as a useful adjunct to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal examination, and prostatic biopsy to detect cancers that require definitive treatment as opposed to active surveillance. Many investigators, including our group, have shown the utility of preoperative mpMRI to assess the local extent of prostate cancer and for surgical planning.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterTharakeswara Bathala