External beam radiation (EBRT) is one type of radiation therapy that is commonly used for the treatment of prostate cancer. Like other prostate cancer treatments, EBRT has undergone significant clinical improvements over the last decade, including the ability to deliver higher levels of radiation with greater precision. As result, today’s EBRT offers better promise of cancer control along with reduced long-term side effects.

Other types of radiation therapy widely used for prostate cancer include:

• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Proton Beam Therapy
• CyberKnife®

All forms of radiation treatment typically utilize planning software shortly before the radiation begins. Many factors go into the exact type and amount of radiation to be delivered. These factors include the stage, volume and location of the prostate disease along with pelvic anatomy, prostate size, and lifestyle needs of the patient.

Because the combination of these factors is unique to each person, the information from an accurate MRI prostate mapping can have an important bearing on the appropriateness and amount of radiation exposure and can offer an early evaluation of the radiation effects.

An MRI prostate mapping at the time of biopsy can assist both the patient and his urologist in the decision-making process and planning of radiation therapy.

Likewise, superimposing an MRI prostate mapping into the radiation treatment planning can provide the radiation therapists and urologists with additional information designed to help develop the best radiation therapy plan and best treatment delivery possible.

For patients interested specifically in CyberKnife®, which involves pretreatment implantation of five tiny gold seeds (fiducial markers), an advance MRI mapping by the Sperling Prostate Institute can help provide early identification of which tumors should be marked and can help clarify the potential for CyberKnife® as a treatment option.

Advantages of MRI Mapping Before Radiotherapy

At The Sperling Prostate Center the clinical team unites advanced technology with experience to provide superior MRI mapping that can help improve the decision to select and apply external beam radiation. Specific advantages of an MRI mapping before radiation therapy include:

• Confirm prostate volume
• Accurate identification of tumor volume and location
• Greater detail than available with Ultrasound
• Supplements biopsy information
• Early information on potential amount of radiation
• Assistance with radiation planning
• Collaboration with Urologist and Radiation Oncologist

Who Should Consider MRI Mapping Prior to Radiotherapy

• Patients for whom radical prostatectomy (surgical removal) is not advised or desired
• Patients who prefer external beam radiation therapy
• Patients/Physicians who want to use an MRI prostate mapping to help identify prostate tumor locations along with precise location of sensitive quality-of-life structures that are vital for erectile function, urination and rectal function