The use of multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in prostate cancer therapy is increasing, as newer treatment methods and management approaches emerge. The mainstays of therapy-radiation and surgery-are being supplemented (and even replaced) by novel focal therapy methods. Laser and ultrasonographic ablation, photodynamic therapy, electroporation, and cryoablation are the most common focal therapies, each with its own imaging findings. Typical ablation zones have a central focus of enhancement with peripheral rim enhancement; thus, dynamic contrast material-enhanced (DCE) MR imaging is the most important sequence for evaluation of treatment in the immediate posttherapeutic setting. Detection of recurrence can initiate salvage therapy, but recurrence can be difficult to detect on T2-weighted images, again necessitating DCE MR imaging and also diffusion-weighted imaging. Furthermore, the location of recurrence can vary depending on the therapy. With radiation therapy, the most common site of recurrence is the prior tumor site, whereas after prostatectomy, the recurrence usually occurs around the vesicoureteral anastomosis. Regarding management, there is an increased emphasis on watchful waiting and active surveillance, for which MR imaging has a critical role in both selection and follow-up of patients who undergo active surveillance. As MR imaging is being increasingly used for imaging suspected recurrence, it is important for radiologists to be familiar with the normal posttreatment findings and patterns and MR imaging findings of recurrence. ©RSNA, 2018.
Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 2018 Jan 26 [Epub ahead of print]
Pritesh Patel, Melvy S Mathew, Igor Trilisky, Aytekin Oto
From the Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60637.