Deep Learning Framework for Epithelium Density Estimation in Prostate Multi-Parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) permits non-invasive visualization and localization of clinically important cancers in the prostate. However, it cannot fully describe tumor heterogeneity and microstructures that are crucial for cancer management and treatment. Herein, we develop a deep learning framework that could predict epithelium density of the prostate in mpMRI. A deep convolutional neural network is built to estimate epithelium density per voxel-basis. Equipped with an advanced design of the neural network and loss function, the proposed method obtained a SSIM of 0.744 and a MAE of 6.448% in a cross-validation. It also outperformed the competing network. The results are promising as a potential tool to analyze tissue characteristics of the prostate in mpMRI.