Use of magnetic resonance imaging in low-dose-rate and high-dose-rate prostate brachytherapy from diagnosis to treatment assessment: Defining the knowledge gaps, technical challenges, and barriers to implementation

MRI is rapidly evolving as an imaging tool in both low-dose-rate and high-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. The ability of MRI to identify intraprostatic tumors and reduce uncertainties in the workflow process should enable a more accurate and precise radiation delivery approach while simultaneously improving the quality assurance process. The ability to identify functional anatomic structures adjacent to the prostate cancer could reduce or eliminate some of the more common side effects of the treatment. However, MRI is complex, and collaborative efforts and future research are required to address the current knowledge gaps, technical challenges, and barriers to widespread the implementation of MRI-assisted and MRI-guided prostate brachytherapy. (C) 2017 American Brachytherapy Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.