Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Evaluate Prostate Cancer

This study will determine whether scanning the prostate using special magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques can detect prostate cancers with greater accuracy than other methods. MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to produce images of body tissues. Unlike many cancers, prostate cancer is difficult to see on most imaging studies like x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and conventional MRI scans. This study will use a magnet twice as strong as the magnets commonly used in MRI tests. Patients 18 years of age and older with prostate cancer confirmed by prostate biopsy may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history, physical examination, and review of pathology reports. Participants undergo MRI of the prostate and possibly a biopsy of the prostate gland, as follows: Prostate MRI Before coming to the NIH Clinical Center for the biopsy, patients take a Fleets enema to empty the rectum of fecal matter. For the MRI, an endorectal coil (a tube containing a specially designed antenna) is placed in the rectum, which is just behind the prostate. The coil increases the amount of signal received by the MRI unit. Additional coils may be wrapped around the pelvis to further improve the quality of the scan. The patient lies on a stretcher that moves into the scanner. A catheter (plastic tube) is placed in an arm vein for injection of a contrast agent called gadolinium, which brightens the images. Patients may also be asked to breathe an oxygen-rich gas through a mask during the scan to test the use of oxygen as a contrast agent in MRI. Patients may be asked to repeat the MRI to test the reproducibility of the procedure. The repeat test is optional. Prostate Biopsy Depending on the MRI findings, patients may be asked to undergo a prostate biopsy to obtain a sample of tumor tissue. The tissue is obtained with a needle placed through the rectum. Medicines may be used to reduce pain during the biopsy and to reduce the chance of infect