MR spectroscopy analysis helps direct PCa treatments

The use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy to evaluate prostate tumors may help identify the most appropriate treatment, according to a study published in Cancer Research (2005; 65:3030-4).

Researchers used MR spectroscopy to analyze almost 200 separate tissue samples from 82 patients. After spectroscopy, several chemical components of the tissue samples were found to correlate with the tumors' invasiveness and aggressiveness.

Many of the samples appeared benign in standard histologic examination, according to the authors, from Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Most significantly, they said samples of apparently benign tissue had components that could successfully identify more and less aggressive tumors elsewhere in the prostate.

"Our study indicates that analyzing prostate tissue's metabolic profile may give clinicians additional information about the biologic status of the disease that would allow them, in consultation with their patients, to make better informed decisions on the next steps to take," said lead author Leo L. Cheng, PhD.