Prostate cancer computer-assisted diagnosis software using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

ProCAD is a computer assisted diagnosis (CAD) software dedicated to prostate DCE-MRI analysis. In addition to standard visualization features, 2D and multislice 2D contouring tools based on a seeded growing region algorithm were included in the software. Tumor volume assessment and semiquantitative analysis of suspicious lesions can be performed. A 5-levels cancer suspicion score (ranging from "probably benign" to "highly suspicious") is calculated on the basis of adjusted parameters extracted from the data of 121 suspicious benign or tumoral lesions. RESULTS: Using a simple scoring algorithm based the median w.i and w.o values of TZK, TZB, PZK and PZB and designed to provide the highest sensitivity we had respective Se/Sp of 100/49% for peripheral zone cancers, and 100/40% for transition zone cancers characterization. CONCLUSION: This software provides useful data for an unbiased an reproducible assessment of hypervascularized prostatic areas in routine practice.