25-10-2012, 10:24 AM
Endourethral MRI Guidance for Prostatic RF Ablation
ABSTRACT
Prostate cancer constitutes a major health problem. Although the medical techniques currently in use to diagnose prostate
cancer are successful, the methods to stage the cancer and visualize the invasion and spread of the cancer are inadequate. MRI
is known to be the best method for staging but it does not offer image resolution that is acceptable, especially for detecting
disease in the anterior prostate. In the first year of the project, we have developed a phased array coil setup that enabled us
imaging of the prostate with 160 microns image resolution. The second year, we have developed a mechanical setup that
enabled placement of the needles in the prostate with lmm accuracy. Both of these are published in high impact journals.
Developed methods for imaging temperature changes in the prostate with high accuracy. In the third year, we applied the
technique on patients in collaboration with investigators at NIH/ NIC. We are seeking for a one-year No-Cost-Extension for
completion of the last aim, i.e., precise RF ablation of the prostate.