Preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging predicts biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the utility of preoperative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MPMRI) in predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP). Materials/Methods: From March 2007 to January 2015, 421 consecutive patients with prostate cancer (PCA) underwent preoperative MP-MRI and RP. BCR-free survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify clinical and imaging variables predictive of BCR. Logistic regression was performed to generate a nomogram to predict three-year BCR probability. Results: Of the total cohort, 370 patients met inclusion criteria with 39 (10.5%) patients experiencing BCR. On multivariate analysis, preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p = 0.01), biopsy Gleason score (p = 0.0008), MP-MRI suspicion score (p = 0.03), and extracapsular extension on MP-MRI (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with time to BCR. A nomogram integrating these factors to predict BCR at three years after RP demonstrated a cindex of 0.84, outperforming the predictive value of Gleason score and PSA alone (c-index 0.74, p = 0.02). Conclusion: The addition of MP-MRI to standard clinical factors significantly improves prediction of BCR in a post-prostatectomy PCA cohort. This could serve as a valuable tool to support clinical decision-making in patients with moderate and high-risk cancers.