Using IVIM Parameters to Differentiate Prostate Cancer and Contralateral Normal Tissue through Fusion of MRI Images with Whole-Mount Pathology Specimen Images by Control Point Registration Method

The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model may enhance the clinical value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). However, while past IVIM modeling studies have shown promise, they have also reported inconsistent results and limitations, underscoring the need to further enhance the accuracy of IVIM modeling for PCa detection. Therefore, this study utilized the control point registration toolbox function in MATLAB to fuse T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI images with whole-mount pathology specimen images in order to eliminate potential bias in IVIM calculations. Sixteen PCa patients underwent prostate MRI scans before undergoing radical prostatectomies. The image fusion method was then applied in calculating the patients’ IVIM parameters. Furthermore, MRI scans were also performed on 22 healthy young volunteers in order to evaluate the changes in IVIM parameters with aging. Among the full study cohort, the f parameter was significantly increased with age, while the D* parameter was significantly decreased. Among the PCa patients, the D and ADC parameters could differentiate PCa tissue from contralateral normal tissue, while the f and D* parameters could not. The presented image fusion method also provided improved precision when comparing regions of interest side by side. However, further studies with more standardized methods are needed to further clarify the benefits of the presented approach and the different IVIM parameters in PCa characterization.