New MRI technique could sharply improve prostate cancer detection

NCT ID NCT02526368

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing whether a special MRI scan, using hyperpolarized pyruvate and urea, can better detect high-grade prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate. About 80 men scheduled for prostate removal will receive an IV of these substances before imaging. The goal is to see if the scan can tell aggressive cancer from low-grade cancer or benign tissue, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and fewer unnecessary biopsies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Hyperpolarized 13C-Pyruvate and Hyperpolarized 13C,15N2-urea

What this could lead to

If successful, this imaging method could help doctors identify aggressive prostate cancers more accurately, possibly reducing unnecessary biopsies and treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a very early pilot study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The technique is experimental and not yet proven to improve outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

prostate cancer prostate carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, San Francisco

    RECRUITING

    San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••