Intravesical Contrast MRI for Nonsurgical Virtual Assessment of Bladder Cancer Grade and Prognostic Risk Stratification

Grant Application

Primary Investigator: Jodi K. Maranchie, MD

Proposed Innovation

An estimated 84,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed and 17,000 people die of the disease each year in the United States. While tumors that do not invade the bladder wall muscle can be managed without removal of the bladder, they carry a high risk of recurring and progressing to a higher stage. Regular monitoring and surveillance following surgery is important for early detection and prompt treatment, but this requires periodic testing using invasive cystoscopy and biopsy procedures to identify tumor grade or risk category.

This project will assess the accuracy of novel intravesical contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (ICE-MRI) in determining the tumor grade and stage of bladder cancer without the need for surgery. The aim is to promote new, noninvasive clinical pathways for low-risk patients.

Improvements in Action

During this study, 21 patients with newly diagnosed bladder tumors will undergo an ICE-MRI prior to undergoing surgery. The goal is to assess the sensitivity of the ICE-MRI and its ability to differentiate low-grade from high-grade nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Researchers believe that ICE-MRI can provide risk stratification in bladder cancer comparable to that provided by traditional MRI for prostate cancer. This information is key to developing a tailored treatment plan.

Intended Outcomes

If successful, using the ICE-MRI to accurately determine tumor grade and stage would allow nonsurgical virtual risk stratification to guide therapy. This would greatly reduce the cost and burden of care for patients with low-risk bladder cancer.