Minimally invasive magnetic resonance image-guided prostate interventions

Whole gland prostate cancer treatment, i.e. radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy, is highly effective but also comes with a significant impact on quality of life and possible over treatment in males with low to intermediate risk disease. Minimal-invasive treatment strategies are emerging techniques. Different sources of energy are used to aim for targeted treatment in order to reduce treatment-related complications and morbidity. Imaging plays an important role in targeting and monitoring of treatment approaches preserving parts of the prostatic tissue. Multi parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is widely used during image-guided interventions due to the multiplanar and real-time anatomical imaging while providing an improved treatment accuracy. This review evaluates the available image-guided prostate cancer treatment options using MRI or magnetic resonance imaging/transrectal ultrasound (MRI/TRUS)-fusion guided imaging. The discussed minimal invasive image-guided prostate interventions may be considered as safe and feasible partial gland ablation in patients with (recurrent) prostate cancer. However, most studies focusing on minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments only report early stages of research and subsequent high-level evidence is still needed. Ensuring a safe and appropriate utilization in patients that will benefit the most, and applied by physicians with relevant training, has become the main challenge in minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments.