title: Magnetic resonance imaging-guided functional anatomy approach to prostate brachytherapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide an MRI based functional anatomy guide to prostate brachytherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a narrative review of periprostatic functional anatomy and the significance of this anatomy in prostate brachytherapy treatment planning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MRI has improved delineation of gross tumor and critical periprostatic structures that have been implicated in toxicity. Furthermore, MRI has revealed the significant anatomic variants and the dynamic nature of these structures that can have significant implications for treatment planning and dosimetry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MRI-based functional anatomy approach to prostate brachytherapy takes into account extent of disease, its relation to the patient's individual anatomy, and functional baseline to optimize the therapeutic ratio of prostate cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
authors.forename: Payal D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Soni
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Berlin
authors.affiliation: Section of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Aradhana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Venkatesan
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Electronic address: mclaughb@med.umich.edu.
authors.forename: Patrick W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
keywords: Brachytherapy; Functional anatomy; MRI; Prostate; Prostate cancer