Magnetic Resonance-Guided Thermal Therapy for Localized and Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Abstract

The advent of focal therapies theoretically offers new treatment options for patients with localized prostate cancer. The goal of prostate cancer treatment is effective long-term cure with minimal impact on health-related quality of life. Multiparametric MR imaging of the prostate is being increasingly used for diagnosis, image-guided targeted biopsy, guidance for targeted focal and regional therapy, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for prostate cancer of all stages. In this article, the use of prostate MRI in the burgeoning domain of thermal ablative therapy for localized and recurrent prostate cancer is reviewed.

Keywords: Cryoablation; Focused ultrasound ablation; Laser ablation; MR imaging; Native prostate cancer; Recurrent prostate cancer.