Magnetic resonance imaging improves the prediction of tumor staging in localized prostate cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)-based predictors for the pretherapeutic T staging of prostate cancer and their accuracy. Consecutive patients with 3 Tesla mpMRI, positive systematic and MR-targeted biopsy, and subsequent radical prostatectomy (RPE) between 01/2016 and 12/2017 were included. MRI parameters such as measurable extraprostatic extension (EPE) (≥ 3 mm), length of (pseudo)capsular contact (LCC), invasion of neurovascular bundle (NVBI), and/or seminal vesicles lesion contact (SVC) or infiltration (SVI) were assessed and correlated to clinical and histopathological results. 136 men were included. In 76 cases, a pT2 stage was determined, in 29 cases a pT3a, and in 31 a pT3b stage. The positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for the detection of T3 by measurable EPE on MRI was 98% (CI 0.88-1) and 81% (CI 0.72-0.87). No visible NVBI was found in pT2 patients (NPV 100%; CI 0.95-1). ROC analysis for T3a prediction with LCC (AUC 0.81) showed a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 62% at a threshold of 12.5 mm (J = 0.485) and 93% and 58% at 11 mm (J MRI-measurable EPE, LCC, and SVC were reliable, independent, preoperative predictors for a histopathological T3 stage. A LCC ≥ 11 mm indicated a pT3a stage, whereas a LCC < 5 mm excluded it. On MRI, visible SVI or even SVC of the PCa lesion was reliable preoperative predictors for a pT3b stage.