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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782203
Review Article

The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Prostate Cancer and Posttreatment Imaging Appearances

Soumyadeep Ghosh 
1   Division of Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Daniel B. Rosen 
2   Harvard Radiation Oncology Residency Program, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Ankur Pandey
1   Division of Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Nabih Nakrour 
1   Division of Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Priyanka Prajapati
1   Division of Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Mukesh Harisinghani
1   Division of Abdominal Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
,
Sophia C. Kamran 
3   Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating continuous research and innovation in treatment modalities. This review explores the currently employed techniques in radiation dose planning and tumor irradiation in the context of prostate cancer management. In addition, we delve into the nuances of expected posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances within the gland or in the prostate bed, postradiation tumor recurrence, and its mimics.

Radiation therapy (RT) has evolved as a cornerstone in prostate cancer treatment, offering both curative and palliative solutions. Recent developments have seen the emergence of advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), allowing for precise targeting of cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

The avoidance of normal tissue dose through more conformal dose distribution as in IMRT or proton therapy, improved imaging modalities as in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate positron emission tomography (PET), interventional separation of critical structures from the prostate target, and many other techniques can greatly reduce the side effects of RT. These advancements enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of side effects, promoting improved patient outcomes.

Keywords

prostate cancer - external beam radiation therapy - brachytherapy - proton beam therapy - posttreatment imaging appearances - post radiation complications


Publication History

Article published online:
29 February 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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