Grant: Proof of Principle Program - Phase I

Prostate tumours are known to be stiffer than surrounding prostate tissue, one of the reasons why digital rectal examination is an important screening tool for the disease. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive technique capable of imaging tissue stiffness by measuring its response to vibrations produced by an external device. The overall goal of this project is to evaluate the potential of MR elastography for prostate cancer detection. The specific aims of this project are to build a prototype device, evaluate its performance for stiffness imaging, and confirm the safety of this technique. These experiments will provide the evidence necessary to seek commercial partnerships in the form of licensing or joint development. If successful, MRE would provide a unique and complementary tissue measurement within the prostate gland relative to existing MRI techniques. The capability to detect prostate cancer and to determine its location within the gland with imaging would enable more precise and targeted treatments, potentially reducing the debilitating side effects most men experience when undergoing current treatments.