Nanoparticle-enhanced MRI for prostate cancer: A paradigm shift in detecting lymph node metastases

This thesis explores how advanced MRI techniques can improve the detection of lymph node metastases in patients with prostate cancer. Small cancer spread to lymph nodes is difficult to detect with conventional imaging, yet it plays a crucial role in treatment planning and prognosis.

A key focus of this work is MRI using nanoparticle-based contrast agents, which behave differently from traditional contrast agents. Healthy lymph nodes absorb these nanoparticles, while metastatic nodes do not, making even very small metastases visible. To further improve detection, the thesis investigates the use of ultra-high-field MRI, which provides much higher image resolution.

The results show that nanoparticle-enhanced MRI detects more and smaller suspicious lymph nodes than standard imaging techniques, often outside the areas typically targeted by treatment. Overall, this research highlights the strong potential of advanced MRI to support more accurate staging and more personalized treatment of prostate cancer.