Fergus Coakley, MD, presented “Optimizing MRI Techniques for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis” during the 8th Global Summit on Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer on October 8, 2024.
How to cite: Coakley, Fergus. “Optimizing MRI Techniques for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis.” October 8, 2024. Accessed Jan 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/optimizing-mri-techniques-for-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/
Optimizing MRI Techniques for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis – Summary#
Fergus Coakley, MD, Portland Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, delivers a 10-minute presentation on optimizing MRI for prostate cancer diagnosis, addressing key shifts in diagnostic paradigms. He explains the transition from systematic biopsies following PSA screening to a targeted approach using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and in-bore biopsies. He highlights the superior signal-to-noise ratio of endorectal coils, emphasizing their role in enhancing tumor detection and staging. Through case studies, Dr. Coakley demonstrates the efficacy of high-quality MRI in identifying clinically significant cancers that were missed by traditional methods. Data supporting targeted-only biopsies for positive MRI findings are presented, with discussions on the low yield and increased complications of systematic sampling. Dr. Coakley challenges conventional views on multifocality and secondary foci, showing minimal impact on prognosis. He urges the adoption of advanced MRI-guided techniques while acknowledging the need for further research. This insightful presentation invites viewers to explore evolving strategies in prostate cancer diagnostics and their implications for patient outcomes.
The Global Summit on Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer is a unique multi-disciplinary forum organized to inform the key health care stakeholders about the emerging advances in clinical case and research and create a consensus-based vision for the future of precision care and educational and research strategy for its realization. The mission of the Summit is to fill the currently existing gap between the key experts of in vivo imaging, the world authorities in the in vitro fluid- and tissue-based molecular diagnostics, including genomics, and thought leaders in the development of novel observation strategies (e.g., active surveillance, or AS) and therapeutic interventions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fergus Coakley, MD, is the Chair of Diagnostic Radiology, and a Professor of Diagnostic Radiology for the School of Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, in Portland, Oregon. He joined OHSU in August 2012 from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was a Professor in Residence in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging in the UCSF School of Medicine. He was also Chief of the Abdominal Imaging Section and Vice Chair for Clinical Services in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging.
