Quantitative diffusion‐weighted imaging and dynamic contrast‐enhanced characterization of the index lesion with multiparametric MRI in prostate cancer patients

Purpose To compare a simplified intravoxel incoherent motion (sIVIM) model to commonly used monoexponential and biexponential models in the characterization of prostate cancer (PCa) and noncancerous prostate tissues, and to investigate combinations of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) measures with dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived parameters in MRI‐visible index lesions, to facilitate PCa risk stratification. Materials and Methods In this retrospective, Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved study, 43 consecutive patients with PCa who had 3T MRI exams followed by radical prostatectomy were included. DWI and DCE parameters were measured from one index lesion per patient, and noncancerous central gland and peripheral zone. Logistic regression modeling was performed to select the optimal combination of DWI and DCE measurements for tumor risk assessment. Results All diffusion models showed the lowest diffusion coefficients in tumors, intermediate values in noncancerous central gland, and highest values in noncancerous peripheral zone (all P