Prostate MRI has rapidly evolved over the past decade. With the introduction of multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) and standardized reporting frameworks like PI-RADS, radiologists gained a powerful tool for detecting and characterizing prostate cancer. PI-RADS helped bring structure and consistency to prostate MRI interpretation, allowing clinicians across institutions to speak the same diagnostic language.
Yet even with these advances, prostate MRI interpretation remains largely visual. Radiologists assess signal patterns across multiple sequences and use their experience to determine the likelihood of clinically significant cancer. As prostate imaging continues to mature, many experts are now exploring the next step beyond qualitative interpretation: quantitative MRI biomarkers that can provide more objective imaging information.
Moving Beyond ADC with Quantitative Diffusion Imaging
Diffusion-weighted imaging is one of the most important components of prostate MRI because prostate tumors often restrict the movement of water molecules due to increased cellular density. Traditionally, this information is evaluated using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and calculated high b-value images.
While ADC values can be measured quantitatively, their interpretation can be highly variable, particularly in the transition zone, highlighting the need for more specific and sensitive approaches to diffusion modeling.
OnQ Prostate addresses this challenge using Restriction Spectrum Imaging (RSI), an advanced diffusion modeling technique designed to isolate the signal associated with restricted intracellular water diffusion. The resulting RSI-derived maps provide quantitative imaging information that emphasizes regions of high cellular density commonly associated with clinically significant prostate cancer.
The Next Evolution of Prostate MRI
As prostate imaging continues to evolve, many leaders in the field are exploring how quantitative imaging can complement the PI-RADS framework and further standardize prostate MRI interpretation. Quantitative diffusion biomarkers may help reduce variability, improve lesion conspicuity, and provide more objective imaging data to support clinical decision-making.
By transforming conventional diffusion MRI data into quantitative imaging maps, OnQ Prostate represents a step toward this next generation of prostate imaging—bringing objective diffusion biomarkers into routine clinical workflows and supporting a more data-driven approach to prostate cancer evaluation.
Explore Quantitative Imaging Solutions from Cortechs.ai
OnQ™ Prostate is part of Cortechs.ai’s broader portfolio of AI-powered imaging solutions designed to support clinicians with objective, quantitative insights across neurological and oncological diseases.
Learn more about OnQ Prostate and our other advanced imaging solutions, here.
