Integration of multiparametric MRI into active surveillance of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer in men though many men will not die of this disease and may not require definitive treatment. Active surveillance (AS) is an increasingly utilized potential solution to the issue of overtreatment of prostate cancer. Traditionally, prostate cancer patients have been stratified into risk groups based on clinical stage on digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen and biopsy Gleason score, though each of these variables has significant limitations. This review will discuss the potential role for prostate multiparametric MRI and targeted biopsy techniques incorporating MRI in the selection of candidates for AS, monitoring patients on AS and as triggers for definitive treatment.

Future oncology (London, England). 2016 Jun 20 [Epub ahead of print]

Jamie N Holtz, Kae Jack Tay, Thomas J Polascik, Rajan T Gupta

Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, DUMC Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA., Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Urologic Surgery & Duke Prostate Center, DUMC Box 2804, Durham, NC 27710, USA., Duke University Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Urologic Surgery & Duke Prostate Center, DUMC Box 2804, Durham, NC 27710, USA., Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, DUMC Box 3808, Durham, NC 27710, USA.