Association Between Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Prostate and Oncological Outcomes after Primary Treatment for Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Context: The diagnostic accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis has been extensively explored. Little is known about the prognostic value of mpMRI suspicion scores and other quantitative mpMRI information.

Objective: To systematically review the current literature assessing the relationship between pretreatment mpMRI and oncological outcomes after primary treatment for PCa to assess the role of mpMRI as a prognostic tool.

Evidence acquisition: A computerized bibliographic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases was performed for all studies assessing the relationship between mpMRI and oncological outcomes after primary treatment for PCa. The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020209899).

Evidence synthesis: A total of six studies were included. Reliable evidence is still limited in this field. The Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score was an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) in the majority of the studies included. The tumor volume at mpMRI was not significantly associated with BCR after RP for PCa. Data on disease progression and PCa-specific mortality are limited. Heterogeneity among the studies was substantial.

Conclusions: The review shows that PI-RADS scores provide information on the future likelihood of cancer recurrence or progression, at least for men undergoing RP. We are of the view that this information should be taken into account to identify men at higher risk of unfavorable outcomes.

Patient summary: A higher Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System score for magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate seems to be positively associated with oncological failure in prostate cancer and should be incorporated into future risk models.

Keywords: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging; Oncological outcomes; Prognosis; Prostate cancer.