title: Magnetic resonance imaging basics for the prostate brachytherapist.
abstract: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly being used in radiation therapy, and integration of MRI into brachytherapy in particular is becoming more common. We present here a systematic review of the basic physics and technical aspects of incorporating MRI into prostate brachytherapy. Terminology and MRI system components are reviewed along with typical work flows in prostate high-dose-rate and low-dose-rate brachytherapy. In general, the brachytherapy workflow consists of five key components: diagnosis, implantation, treatment planning (scan + plan), implant verification, and delivery. MRI integration is discussed for diagnosis; treatment planning; and MRI-guided brachytherapy implants, in which MRI is used to guide the physical insertion of the brachytherapy applicator or needles. Considerations and challenges for establishing an MRI brachytherapy program are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. Electronic address: jihong.wang@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Jihong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tanderup
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California-San Francisco, CA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Antonio L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Damato
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
authors.forename: Gil'ad N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
authors.forename: Rajat J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Kudchadker
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Radiation Oncology, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Newark, DE; Department of Radiation Oncology, Bodine Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: fmourtada@christianacare.org.
authors.forename: Firas
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mourtada
keywords: Brachytherapy; HDR; LDR; MRI; Prostate; Quality assurance