Name: use of magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy data to guide sampling procedures for prostate cancer biobanking
Uploaded: 2019-10-10T13:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 5 min 49 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking at JoVE.com

The authors wish to acknowledge Prostate Cancer UK for funding SH under the Prostate Cancer UK Centre of Excellence and Travelling Prize Fellowship (TLD-PF16-004) and HP under INNOVATE (PG14-018-TR2). This work was supported by researchers at the National Institute for Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre.

The protocol adheres to local guidelines and is approved by the UCL/UCLC Biobank Research Ethics Committee (Reference 15/YH/0311).
NOTE: As this method involves the sampling of human tissue, all local procedures regarding ethics and consent must be observed in advance of beginning the protocol. Radical prostatectomy cases may be included if both MRI and biopsy data are available in advance of surgery, with tumor diameter &#8805;5 mm. Cases should be excluded if the index lesion is not well defined, i.e., only diffuse changes are visible by MRI.
1. Prostate Slicing Apparatus
<ol>
	<li>Purchase the prostate slicing apparatus (Table of Materials). Alternatively, print a blade handle using a 3D printer as previously published10. 
	NOTE: The device and disposable blades used here were purchased under material transfer agreement from the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.</li>
</ol>
2. Tumor Targeting
<ol>
	<li>Review clinical notes to identify the index lesion as indicated by diagnostic biopsy, e.g., left posterior.</li>
	<li>Review MRI images to measure location of the above tumor.
	<ol>
		<li>Find the sequence where the tumor is most visible in the axial plane, e.g., T2-weighted.</li>
		<li>Scroll through axial images to find the image where the tumor is largest and print image for reference.</li>
		<li>In the corresponding coronal image, measure the distance from the base of the prostate to the selected axial position, and the full length of the prostate from apex to base (mm), and print for reference.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Collection of pProstate
<ol>
	<li>Check patient notes to ensure appropriate informed consent has been obtained for this procedure and any downstream research applications.</li>
	<li>Following radical prostatectomy, collect the prostate in a dry pot. Ensure no formalin or other fixative has been added to the prostate.</li>
	<li>Transfer to a suitable sterile location for sampling, e.g., a laminar flow hood in a pathology laboratory.</li>
	<li>Proceed to sampling as soon as possible if fresh tissue is required. 
	NOTE: For certain applications (e.g., assessment of DNA which should not degrade as quickly as RNA), it may be appropriate to refrigerate the specimen and take samples the next day.</li>
</ol>
4. Specimen Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Prepare laminar flow hood and prostate slicing apparatus according to local decontamination procedures, using sterile technique. Here, spray 70% ethanol and wipe across all surfaces. Use sterile single-use needles and scalpels. Use slicer blades up to three times; wash after each use in hot soapy water, then spray and wipe with 70% ethanol.</li>
	<li>Weigh the prostate (g) using a standard scale.</li>
	<li>Ink the prostate. Paint the left side with blue ink and right side with black ink. Cover the full capsule and seminal vesicles&#160;with ink to later denote the surgical margins. 
	NOTE: Inking procedures may vary locally and can be modified accordingly.</li>
</ol>
5. Prostate Slicing
<ol>
	<li>Assemble the slicing apparatus by inserting the walls perpendicularly into the base of the stand (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Place prostate so that the base and apex are facing opposite walls, with the posterior side down and anterior up. Place gold pins around prostate. Push prostate inwards slightly if necessary to get a snug fit, which will support the prostate during slicing.</li>
	<li>Measure prostate length from base to apex, using a ruler, and compare with prostate length as measured by MRI. If the prostate has shrunk, apply an ad hoc correction to the anticipated distance from base to target transverse slice. For example, if the full length of the prostate in the MRI image is 50 mm, but when measured with a ruler at this point it has shrunk to 45 mm, reduce the anticipated slicing position by 10%.</li>
	<li>Measure from the base to the desired transverse slice. Choose the pin that sits closest to this measurement to slice around.</li>
	<li>Wearing chainmail gloves to prevent injury, hold slicing device (Figure 1B), place blades either side of the identified pin and use the spacer to keep blades 5 mm apart. Take slice by slowly and firmly moving the blades downwards, forwards and backwards with long strokes (Figure 1C). Ensure a full slice has been separated before disassembling apparatus.</li>
	<li>Remove walls and pins and carefully take the slice out onto a sterile sheet of cork board using gloves.</li>
</ol>
6. Tissue Sampling
<ol>
	<li>Visually inspect the transverse slice and compare with the axial MRI image. In some cases, the tumor area may appear paler than surrounding tissue.</li>
	<li>Palpate the transverse slice gently. In some cases, the tumor may feel firmer than the surrounding tissue.</li>
	<li>Using the axial MRI image as a guide, select one or more areas for sampling.</li>
	<li>Take biopsy punches of desired area of tissue.
	<ol>
		<li>Using a 6 mm punch, push down on the desired area of tissue.</li>
		<li>Twist the tissue punch on the spot and down against the cork to ensure full separation and use a sharp scalpel to separate if necessary.</li>
		<li>Remove the punch and place into tubes/molds as necessary by ejecting using the plunger.</li>
		<li>Repeat for further tumor and benign samples as required, with separate sterile biopsy punches. Ink the holes where punches were taken in red.</li>
		<li>Note the location of each punch along with the weight of the prostate and any observations on tissue color/firmness.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
7. Submission of Prostate for Local Diagnostics
<ol>
	<li>Pin the prostate to cork with sterile single-use needles prior to fixation in order to prevent tissue shrinkage and warping, which could alter the appearance of the surgical margins.</li>
	<li>Following pinning to cork, submit the prostate to the histopathology department for standard clinical diagnostics.</li>
</ol>
8. Decontamination of Apparatus
<ol>
	<li>Discard all disposable equipment in biomedical waste streams and/or sharps containers as designated locally.</li>
	<li>Decontaminate the laminar flow hood and prostate slicing apparatus in accordance with local risk assessments appropriate to human tissue (e.g., by spraying with 70% EtOH and wiping).&#160;</li>
</ol>

<ol>
	<li>Sooriakumaran, P., Henderson, A., Denham, P., Langley, S. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+novel+method+of+obtaining+prostate+tissue+for+gene+expression+profiling.">A novel method of obtaining prostate tissue for gene expression profiling.</a> International Journal of Surgical Pathology. 17 (3), 238-243 (2009).</li><li>Jhavar, S. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Processing+of+radical+prostatectomy+specimens+for+correlation+of+data+from+histopathological,+molecular+biological,+and+radiological+studies:+a+new+whole+organ+technique.">Processing of radical prostatectomy specimens for correlation of data from histopathological, molecular biological, and radiological studies: a new whole organ technique.</a> Journal of Clinical Pathology. 58 (5), 504-508 (2005).</li><li>Wheeler, T. M., Lebovitz, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fresh+tissue+harvest+for+research+from+prostatectomy+specimens.">Fresh tissue harvest for research from prostatectomy specimens.</a> The Prostate. 25 (5), 274-279 (1994).</li><li>Esgueva, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Next-generation+prostate+cancer+biobanking:+toward+a+processing+protocol+amenable+for+the+International+Cancer+Genome+Consortium.">Next-generation prostate cancer biobanking: toward a processing protocol amenable for the International Cancer Genome Consortium.</a> Diagnostic Molecular Pathology. 21 (2), 61-68 (2012).</li><li>Dev, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biobanking+after+robotic-assisted+radical+prostatectomy:+a+quality+assessment+of+providing+prostate+tissue+for+RNA+studies.">Biobanking after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a quality assessment of providing prostate tissue for RNA studies.</a> Journal of Translational Medicine. 9, 121 (2011).</li><li>Tolkach, Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Blind+Biobanking+of+the+Prostatectomy+Specimen:+Critical+Evaluation+of+the+Existing+Techniques+and+Development+of+the+New+4-Level+Tissue+Extraction+Model+With+High+Sampling+Efficacy.">Blind Biobanking of the Prostatectomy Specimen: Critical Evaluation of the Existing Techniques and Development of the New 4-Level Tissue Extraction Model With High Sampling Efficacy.</a> The Prostate. 77 (4), 396-405 (2017).</li><li>Warren, A. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Method+for+sampling+tissue+for+research+which+preserves+pathological+data+in+radical+prostatectomy.">Method for sampling tissue for research which preserves pathological data in radical prostatectomy.</a> The Prostate. 73 (2), 194-202 (2013).</li><li>Heavey, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=PatiEnt+prOstate+samPLes+for+rEsearch,+a+tissue+collection+pathway+utilizing+magnetic+resonance+imaging+data+to+target+tumor+and+benign+tissue+in+fresh+radical+prostatectomy+specimens.">PatiEnt prOstate samPLes for rEsearch, a tissue collection pathway utilizing magnetic resonance imaging data to target tumor and benign tissue in fresh radical prostatectomy specimens.</a> The Prostate. 79 (7), 768-777 (2019).</li><li>Bailey, C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=VERDICT+MRI+validation+in+fresh+and+fixed+prostate+specimens+using+patient-specific+moulds+for+histological+and+MR+alignment.">VERDICT MRI validation in fresh and fixed prostate specimens using patient-specific moulds for histological and MR alignment.</a> NMR in Biomedicine. 32 (5), 4073 (2019).</li><li>Bourne, R. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Apparatus+for+Histological+Validation+of+In+Vivo+and+Ex+Vivo+Magnetic+Resonance+Imaging+of+the+Human+Prostate.">Apparatus for Histological Validation of In Vivo and Ex Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Human Prostate.</a> Frontiers in Oncology. 7, 47 (2017).</li></ol>

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Critical steps within this protocol include identification of tumor region for sampling, measurement of prostate, and tissue sampling. Firstly, measurement of the MRI to identify the correct area of the sampling is key. We demonstrate this method in the accompanying video; however, we also recommend confirming measurements with a radiologist in the first instance. Clear clinical notes which point the researcher towards the area of the MRI images that contains the index lesion are ideal. Secondly, measurement of the prostate should be carried out with care, ensuring that the ruler is held at an angle to measure the full length from base to apex, parallel to the anterior of the prostate. Thirdly, tumor areas should be confirmed prior to sampling by visually inspecting the tissue slice in relation to the original MRI image, palpating the tissue (in some cases the tumor area can feel more dense), and visually assessing the color of the tissue (in some cases the tumor will appear more pale than surrounding benign tissue).
This protocol has been carried out in full at UCL/UCLH by non-clinical postdoctoral researchers, a pathology fellow, pathology consultants, and research technicians. In our experience all steps of the protocol can be learned in under ten cases regardless of technical background. However, we recommend training from a radiologist regarding MRI measurement and training from a pathologist regarding slicing in the first instance. The protocol can be modified by using a 3D printed slicing handle, as previously published10.
Potential limitations of the technique include the risk of impeding on diagnosis. Slicing the prostate is a key step, which could impede on grading or positive margin rates if done incorrectly. There are two potential issues here. Firstly, if all of the index lesion is removed and used for fresh tissue experimentation immediately, routine clinical diagnostics will not be carried out for this lesion and the patient may be misdiagnosed as having a lower grade cancer. To avoid this, the researcher should discuss the sampling plan with the consultant pathologist who will routinely review the case, prior to sampling, and agree on the number, and location, of samples to be taken. Small tumors may be excluded locally for this reason. Secondly, if the prostatic capsule is not pinned down correctly to cork board prior to fixation, this could allow the inner tissue to bulge outwards during fixation, altering the surgical margins. This could lead to a false positive margin, where the remaining tumor appears to reside at the capsule purely due to tissue warping.
The significance of this technique with respect to existing methods lies mainly with tumor targeting. A range of methods for sampling radical prostatectomy specimens has been published to date; however, these all rely on a fully or partially random sampling approach1,2,3,4,5,6,7. The use of biopsy and in particular MRI data here has improved efficiency, allowing for reduced sampling with increased confidence of obtaining tumor tissue8.
Future applications of this method allow for the adoption of a wider range of downstream techniques than with previous sampling methods. For example, the availability of fresh tissue that has a high probability of being tumor means that more expensive and/or labor-intensive fresh tissue techniques can be utilized, as many samples are not required to ensure the presence of tumor. This can include and is not limited to, ex vivo culture, ex vivo MRI, advanced imaging and transcriptomics.&#160;

Access to high quality human prostate cancer tissue is a key requirement for driving effective research in the field. There are a number of existing methods to sample prostate tissue following radical prostatectomy for research. Typically these involve using punch biopsies to take random samples from a fresh, frozen or fixed slice of prostate tissue, and retrospectively confirming whether or not tumor is present in each sample by hematoxylin &#38; eosin (H&#38;E) as assessed by a uropathologist1,2,3,4,5. A recent review has compiled an overview of these existing methods6. These methods are useful for certain downstream applications, where tissue can be stored and assessed for tumor content at a later date, such as large scale genomic analyses like the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)4,7. However, these methods could be improved upon in if we were to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or biopsy data to target specific areas of the prostate for sampling. This would improve the methodology in two ways; firstly, by reducing the number of tissue samples collected, increasing efficiency and reducing pressure on pathology departments and cost of storage, and secondly, by allowing fresh tissue to be used immediately without the need for immediate confirmation of tumor content, for new state of the art downstream technologies such as live tissue imaging, organoid generation or ex vivo culture. This research need has led to the development of the PEOPLE (PatiEnt prOstate samPLes for rEsearch) method, and the results from the first 84 cases biobanked using PEOPLE were recently published8. A variation of this method has also been published with a three-dimensional (3D) printed slicing apparatus and patient-specific mold, in order to facilitate ex vivo MRI on pre- and post-fixation tissue9,10.&#160;

<table><tbody><tr><td>6 mm biopsy punch</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>13404607</td><td>Disposable biopsy punches for removing 6 mm tissue samples</td></tr><tr><td>Black Ink</td><td>Leica Biosystems</td><td>3801753</td><td>Tissue marking &amp;amp; margin dye</td></tr><tr><td>Blue Ink</td><td>Leica Biosystems</td><td>3801751</td><td>Tissue marking &amp;amp; margin dye</td></tr><tr><td>Chainmail hand glove</td><td>Arco</td><td>1456803</td><td>Chainmail gloves to protect hand during slicing</td></tr><tr><td>Cork board</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>12396447</td><td>Cork board for pinning prostate to following sampling procedure</td></tr><tr><td>Needles</td><td>SLS (Scientific Laboratory supplies)</td><td>SYR6112</td><td>Sterile needles to use to pin tissue to cork board following sampling</td></tr><tr><td>Prostate slicing aparatus</td><td>Insitute of Cancer Research, London</td><td>NA - must be obtained under MTA</td><td>A kit containing the slicer handle, blades, spacer, base, walls and pins</td></tr></tbody></table>

use of magnetic resonance imaging and biopsy data to guide sampling procedures for prostate cancer biobanking

Previous methods for biobanking prostate tissue, following radical prostatectomy, generally involved random sampling. In order to increase efficiency, and enable a greater range of downstream applications, a more targeted method of sampling prostate tissue was developed. Here we use both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy data to target specific areas of the organ for sampling. The method involves use of a previously published prostate slicing device which removes a 5 mm transverse slice from a predetermined region of the prostate, followed by the removal of 6 mm punch biopsies from predetermined areas of this slice. These samples can be stored frozen or fixed for biobanking purposes, or used fresh immediately with 70% confidence of tumor content, as compared with 10% confidence from the random sampling approach. This enables the use of all standard downstream techniques such as genomics, proteomics or histological work, but also work that requires fresh tissue such as live tissue imaging or ex vivo culture.

Fresh prostate tissue sampled using the PEOPLE method can be used for a variety of downstream techniques, including genomic sequencing and ex vivo culture. The first 59 cases sampled using this method have been previously published in comparison with an earlier version of the method, along with initial downstream data8. The time from first slicing the prostate to freezing/fixing the punch biopsies here was approximately 1 min, which was kept to a minimum to avoid degradation of RNA. Time from removal of the prostate to prostate slicing should also be kept to a minimum, though here this took approximately 20 min due to our theatre and pathology labs being in different locations.
Depending on the downstream application, typically at least two samples are taken: one from an area of anticipated tumor tissue and one from an area of anticipated benign tissue. The key measure of success for the sampling method itself is to assess the tumor content in a given sample.
For entry into the 100,000 genomes project, an H&#38;E stained tissue section must be assessed by a uropathologist, and the sample must contain at least 40% tumor cells. Samples that contain less than 40% tumor may still be included in the project if they are successfully macrodissected. Of the first 92 cases sampled in this manner, 64% contained at least 40% tumor and were submitted to the 100,000 Genomes Project without macrodissection. DNA was extracted and was of sufficient yield and quality in all cases (Table 1). An initial subset of 59 of these samples was previously published in comparison with an earlier method8.
For ex vivo culture, matched tumor and benign tissue must be of sufficient quality to withstand 72 h culture without significant degradation. Multiple tissue samples from a total of three patients were cultured successfully8.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/60216/60216fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Prostate slicing apparatus. This apparatus was obtained under material transfer agreement from the Institute of Cancer Research. (A) The walls are inserted perpendicular to the base, and gold pins are inserted into the base surrounding the prostate (prostate not pictured). (B) The replaceable parallel blades are inserted into the blade handle. (C) The blades pass between the gold pins in order to slice a 5 mm section of the prostate. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/60216/60216fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>n (%)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hit (&#62;40% tumor)</td>
			<td>59 (64%)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Partial hit (5-30% tumor)</td>
			<td>6 (7%)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Miss (0% tumor)</td>
			<td>27 (29%)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Total</td>
			<td>92 (100%)</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Tumor hit rate. Tumor hit rate was determined by a consultant pathologist specializing in prostate cancer, following review of H&#38;E stained tissue. Tumor cell content of &#62;40% was determined to be suitable for inclusion in the 100,000 Genomes Project, as per Genomics England guidelines.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking at JoVE.com

Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking

This method involves utilization of clinical diagnostic data for prostate cancer patients in order to guide sampling procedures, when biobanking tissue following radical prostatectomy. This overcomes issues with previously published methods around efficiency and availability of fresh tissue for a wider range of downstream applications.

Previous methods for biobanking prostate tissue, following radical prostatectomy, generally involved random sampling. In order to increase efficiency, and ...

use-magnetic-resonance-imaging-biopsy-data-to-guide-sampling

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

6.2K Views.  University College London. De betekenis van dit protocol ten opzichte van eerdere prostaat bemonsteringsmethoden is dat het geeft ons een hoger vertrouwen van het richten van verse tumor weefsel voor onderzoek. Daarom kunnen we het verse weefsel direct terug naar het lab brengen en het gebruiken voor cultuur of beeldvorming, omdat we een groot vertrouwen hebben waarvan monsters tumor zijn en die goedaardig zijn. Mijn belangrijkste advies bij het leren van de techniek is om te werken met uw lokale patholoog, zodat de ui...

Video: Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking

Magnetic Resonance Derived Myocardial Strain Assessment Using Feature Tracking 

Purpose: An accurate and practical method to measure parameters like strain in myocardial tissue is of great clinical value, since it has been shown, that strain is a more sensitive and earlier marker for contractile dysfunction than the frequently used parameter EF. Current technologies for CMR are time consuming and difficult to implement in clinical practice. Feature tracking is a technology that can lead to more automization and robustness of quantitative analysis of medical images with less time consumption than comparable methods.
Methods: An automatic or manual input in a single phase serves as an initialization from which the system starts to track the displacement of individual patterns representing anatomical structures over time. The specialty of this method is that the images do not need to be manipulated in any way beforehand like e.g. tagging of CMR images.
Results: The method is very well suited for tracking muscular tissue and with this allowing quantitative elaboration of myocardium and also blood flow.
Conclusions: This new method offers a robust and time saving procedure to quantify myocardial tissue and blood with displacement, velocity and deformation parameters on regular sequences of CMR imaging. It therefore can be implemented in clinical practice.

Magnetic Resonance Derived Myocardial Strain Assessment Using Feature Tracking

An accurate and practical method to measure parameters like strain in myocardial tissue is of great clinical value, since it has been shown, that strain is a more sensitive and earlier marker for contractile dysfunction than the frequently used parameter EF.

Purpose: An accurate and practical method to measure parameters like strain in myocardial tissue is of great clinical value, since it has been shown, that ...

Multi-modal Imaging of Angiogenesis in a Nude Rat Model of Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Volumetric Computed Tomography and Ultrasound

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell proliferation in the bone marrow cavity as well as for interaction of tumor and bone cells resulting in local bone destruction. Our aim was to develop a model of experimental bone metastasis that allows in vivo assessment of angiogenesis in skeletal lesions using non-invasive imaging techniques.
For this purpose, we injected 105 MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells into the superficial epigastric artery, which precludes the growth of metastases in body areas other than the respective hind leg1. Following 25-30 days after tumor cell inoculation, site-specific bone metastases develop, restricted to the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal fibula1. Morphological and functional aspects of angiogenesis can be investigated longitudinally in bone metastases using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), volumetric computed tomography (VCT) and ultrasound (US).
MRI displays morphologic information on the soft tissue part of bone metastases that is initially confined to the bone marrow cavity and subsequently exceeds cortical bone while progressing. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) functional data including regional blood volume, perfusion and vessel permeability can be obtained and quantified2-4. Bone destruction is captured in high resolution using morphological VCT imaging. Complementary to MRI findings, osteolytic lesions can be located adjacent to sites of intramedullary tumor growth. After contrast agent application, VCT angiography reveals the macrovessel architecture in bone metastases in high resolution, and DCE-VCT enables insight in the microcirculation of these lesions5,6. US is applicable to assess morphological and functional features from skeletal lesions due to local osteolysis of cortical bone. Using B-mode and Doppler techniques, structure and perfusion of the soft tissue metastases can be evaluated, respectively. DCE-US allows for real-time imaging of vascularization in bone metastases after injection of microbubbles7.
In conclusion, in a model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastases multi-modal imaging techniques including MRI, VCT and US offer complementary information on morphology and functional parameters of angiogenesis in these skeletal lesions.

In the pathogenesis of bone metastasis, angiogenesis is a crucial process and therefore represents a target for imaging and therapy. Here, we present a rat model of site-specific breast cancer bone metastasis and describe strategies to non-invasively image angiogenesis in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging, volumetric computed tomography and ultrasound.

Angiogenesis is an essential feature of cancer growth and metastasis formation. In bone metastasis, angiogenic factors are pivotal for tumor cell ...

Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the main diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer in clinical use, but it lacks specificity and sensitivity, particularly in low dosage values1&#8203;&#8203;. &#8216;How to use PSA&#39; remains a current issue, either for diagnosis as a gray zone corresponding to a concentration in serum of 2.5-10 ng/ml which does not allow a clear differentiation to be made between cancer and noncancer2 or for patient follow-up as analysis of post-operative PSA kinetic parameters can pose considerable challenges for their practical application3,4. Alternatively, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key molecules in human cancer, with the potential to serve as novel markers of disease, e.g. PCA3 in prostate cancer5,6 and to reveal uncharacterized aspects of tumor biology. Moreover, data from the ENCODE project published in 2012 showed that different RNA types cover about 62% of the genome. It also appears that the amount of transcriptional regulatory motifs is at least 4.5x higher than the one corresponding to protein-coding exons. Thus, long terminal repeats (LTRs) of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute a wide range of putative/candidate transcriptional regulatory sequences, as it is their primary function in infectious retroviruses. HERVs, which are spread throughout the human genome, originate from ancestral and independent infections within the germ line, followed by copy-paste propagation processes and leading to multicopy families occupying 8% of the human genome (note that exons span 2% of our genome). Some HERV loci still express proteins that have been associated with several pathologies including cancer7-10. We have designed a high-density microarray, in Affymetrix format, aiming to optimally characterize individual HERV loci expression, in order to better understand whether they can be active, if they drive ncRNA transcription or modulate coding gene expression. This tool has been applied in the prostate cancer field (Figure 1).

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), which occupy 8% of the human genome, retain scarce coding capacities but a hundred thousand long terminal repeats (LTRs). A custom Affymetrix microarray was designed to identify individual HERV locus expression and was used on prostate cancer tissues as a proof of concept for future clinical studies.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the main diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer in clinical use, but it lacks specificity and sensitivity, ...

Protocol for Prostatectomy Specimen Mapping and Dissection

Enhancing Prostate Tumor Biobanking Reliability with Improved Sampling Technique and Histological Characterization

Acquiring fresh and well-characterized tumor tissue samples is critical for conducting high-quality &#34;omics&#34; studies. However, it can be particularly challenging in the context of prostate cancer (PC) due to the unique nature of this organ and the high heterogeneity associated with this tumor. On the other hand, histopathologically characterizing samples before their storage without causing significant tissue alterations is also an intriguing challenge. In this context, we present a new method for acquiring, mapping, characterizing, and micro-dissecting resected prostate tissue based on anatomopathological criteria.
Unlike previously published protocols, this method reduces the time required for histopathological analysis of the prostate specimen without compromising its structure, which is crucial for assessing surgical margins. Furthermore, it enables the delineation and micro-macro dissection of fresh prostate tissue samples, with a focus on histological tumor areas defined by pathological criteria such as Gleason score, precursor lesions (high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia - PIN), and inflammatory lesions (prostatitis). These samples are then stored in a Biobank for subsequent research analyses.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Prostate Cancer Research Through Improved Tissue Sampling and Biobanking

This protocol describes a method for facilitating the collection of samples from radical prostatectomy specimens. The goal is to map, characterize, and micro-macro dissect tissue samples from the specimens based on anatomopathological criteria before storing them in a Biobank.

Acquiring fresh and well-characterized tumor tissue samples is critical for conducting high-quality &#34;omics&#34; studies. However, it can be ...

Cancer Research

Tracking the Mammary Architectural Features and Detecting Breast Cancer with Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer among women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer has a critical role in improving the quality of life and survival of breast cancer patients. In this paper a new approach for the detection of breast cancer is described, based on tracking the mammary architectural elements using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). 
The paper focuses on the scanning protocols and image processing algorithms and software that were designed to fit the diffusion properties of the mammary fibroglandular tissue and its changes during malignant transformation. The final output yields pixel by pixel vector maps that track the architecture of the entire mammary ductal glandular trees and parametric maps of the diffusion tensor coefficients and anisotropy indices. 
The efficiency of the method to detect breast cancer was tested by scanning women volunteers including 68 patients with breast cancer confirmed by histopathology findings. Regions with cancer cells exhibited a marked reduction in the diffusion coefficients and in the maximal anisotropy index as compared to the normal breast tissue, providing an intrinsic contrast for delineating the boundaries of malignant growth. Overall, the sensitivity of the DTI parameters to detect breast cancer was found to be high, particularly in dense breasts, and comparable to the current standard breast MRI method that requires injection of a contrast agent. Thus, this method offers a completely non-invasive, safe and sensitive tool for breast cancer detection.

We describe how to obtain parametric and vector maps of the diffusion tensor of the breast using magnetic resonance imaging. The protocol and final output following imaging processing are tailored for tracking breast architectural features and detecting breast malignancy.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer among women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer has a critical role in improving the quality of ...

Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle Disease

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) describes the development and use of MRI to quantify physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of living systems. Neuromuscular diseases often exhibit a temporally varying, spatially heterogeneous, and multi-faceted pathology. The goal of this protocol is to characterize this pathology using qMRI methods. The MRI acquisition protocol begins with localizer images (used to locate the position of the body and tissue of interest within the MRI system), quality control measurements of relevant magnetic field distributions, and structural imaging for general anatomical characterization. The qMRI portion of the protocol includes measurements of the longitudinal and transverse relaxation time constants (T1 and T2, respectively). Also acquired are diffusion-tensor MRI data, in which water diffusivity is measured and used to infer pathological processes such as edema. Quantitative magnetization transfer imaging is used to characterize the relative tissue content of macromolecular and free water protons. Lastly, fat-water MRI methods are used to characterize fibro-adipose tissue replacement of muscle. In addition to describing the data acquisition and analysis procedures, this paper also discusses the potential problems associated with these methods, the analysis and interpretation of the data, MRI safety, and strategies for artifact reduction and protocol optimization.

Neuromuscular diseases often exhibit a temporally varying, spatially heterogeneous, and multi-faceted pathology. The goal of this protocol is to characterize this pathology using non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging methods.

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) describes the development and use of MRI to quantify physical, chemical, and/or biological properties of ...

Use of MRI-ultrasound Fusion to Achieve Targeted Prostate Biopsy

Here, we present a protocol to perform targeted prostate biopsy using a magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion system. Prostate cancer has traditionally been diagnosed via transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy. Though considered the gold standard, TRUS is unable to visualize most prostate cancer lesions and therefore requires sampling of the entire prostate. This biopsy method often undergrades prostate cancer and fails to detect up to 35% of cancers on initial biopsy. Prostate MRI has been shown to have excellent sensitivity in the detection of cancerous lesions, and advancements in MRI technology during the last decade have led to the development of targeted biopsy. In targeted biopsy, a software platform overlays MRI data onto live TRUS images to create a fused MRI/US three-dimensional model of the prostate. Regions suspicious for malignancy on MRI are contoured by a radiologist, uploaded into the fusion system, and then displayed within the live MRI/US fused model. The urologist is then able to directly biopsy these targets. When compared to conventional TRUS biopsy, MRI/US fusion technology has been demonstrated to improve the detection of clinically significant cancer while reducing insignificant cancer detection. This technology, therefore, has the potential to diagnose prostate cancer primarily in men who would benefit from treatment.

Presented herein is a protocol to perform targeted biopsy of the prostate using an MRI-ultrasound fusion system.

Here, we present a protocol to perform targeted prostate biopsy using a magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound (MRI/US) fusion system. Prostate cancer has ...

Micro-Ultrasound Guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy: A Clinic-Based Procedure

Prostate cancer is the most common solid malignancy in men and requires a biopsy for diagnosis. This manuscript describes a freehand micro-ultrasound guided transperineal technique performed under local anesthesia, which maintains accuracy, keeps patients comfortable, has low adverse events, and minimizes the need for disposables. Prior micro-ultrasound-guided transperineal techniques required general or spinal anesthesia. The key steps described in the protocol include (1) the placement of the local anesthesia, (2) micro-ultrasound imaging, (3) and the visualization of the anesthetic/biopsy needle while uncoupled from the insonation plane. A retrospective review of 100 patients undergoing this technique demonstrated a 68% clinically significant cancer detection rate. Pain scores were prospectively collected in a subset of patients (N = 20) and showed a median procedural pain score of 2 out of 10. The 30 day Grade III adverse event rate was 3%; one of these events was probably related to the prostate biopsy. Overall, we present a simple, accurate, and safe technique for performing a micro-ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy.

This manuscript outlines the steps for performing a micro-ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy under local anesthesia.

Prostate cancer is the most common solid malignancy in men and requires a biopsy for diagnosis. This manuscript describes a freehand micro-ultrasound ...

A Cognitive Fusion-guided Prostate Biopsy Using Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound

Traditional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy has limited sensitivity and specificity, particularly for detecting early-stage prostate cancer, due to a lack of precise lesion targeting. An improved cognitive fusion-guided prostate biopsy method has been developed to enhance lesion targeting by integrating three parameters of prostate multiparametric MR (mpMRI) images into TRUS images. Prostate mpMRI measurement is initially performed to obtain three key parameters: the rotation angle (&#945;), the distance from the rectal wall (X), and the distance from the prostate apex (Y). These parameters are then cognitively applied in real-time, TRUS-guided prostate needle biopsy to detect target lesions. This improved transperineal cognitive fusion biopsy method enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves reproducibility, and reduces reliance on operator experience. Clinical application in 423 patients demonstrated a prostate cancer detection rate of 73.5%, with 62.9% classified as clinically significant cancers. Compared with equipment-intensive methods such as MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy, this approach is cost-effective, practical, and well-suited for broader clinical adoption. Additionally, the method&#39;s flexibility supports integration with other imaging techniques, such as 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT, further improving detection rates for patients with high-risk prostate cancer.

Prostate biopsy is the gold standard diagnostic method for prostate cancer. Cognitive fusion-guided prostate biopsy, which combines transrectal ultrasound with pre-measured MRI parameters, improves biopsy accuracy and enhances the detection rate of clinically significant prostate cancer.

Traditional transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy has limited sensitivity and specificity, particularly for detecting early-stage prostate ...

Sampling Prostate Cancer Tissue for Biobanking: An MRI-guided Targeted Technique to Remove Biopsy Punches from Fresh Tumor Tissue

Source: Heavey, S. et al. <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/video/60216" target="_blank">Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking.</a> J. Vis. Exp. (2019)
This video demonstrates an MRI data-based technique to target specific tumor-containing regions in prostate tissue for sampling. The collected biopsy specimens can be either stored for biobanking purposes or used for subsequent downstream analysis.

Source: Heavey, S. et al. Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking. J. Vis. Exp. ...

Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biopsy Data to Guide Sampling Procedures for Prostate Cancer Biobanking

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