Maria J. Merino
Papers
7
Total Citations
671
H-Index
7
About
Maria J. Merino is a leading radiologist whose work has fundamentally advanced the non-invasive detection and staging of prostate cancer. Her research centers on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), a powerful tool she has refined to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide clinical decision-making. Merino’s most significant contribution is the development of a standardized MRI grading system for assessing the risk of extraprostatic extension (EPE), a critical factor in determining prognosis and treatment strategy. This landmark 2019 study, cited over 238 times, provides a reproducible framework for radiologists worldwide. She has also pioneered the comparative evaluation of endorectal coil versus nonendorectal coil MRI at 3 Tesla, demonstrating that high-quality imaging can be achieved without the invasive coil, a finding cited 155 times. Beyond MRI, Merino has explored novel PET/CT tracers like 18F-FACBC for cancer detection, correlating imaging findings with whole-mount histopathology to validate her methods. Her work on tumor contact length as a prognostic biomarker and the development of a virtual reality surgical navigation tool showcases her innovative approach to translating imaging insights into tangible improvements in patient care and surgical outcomes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7