Role of MRI in Follow-Up After Focal Therapy for Prostate Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE. In patients with clinically suspected local recurrence of prostate cancer, a lobulated hyperintense mass in the radical prostatectomy fossa can be readily visualized with T2-weighted MRI, but this imaging technique is less successful after treatments such as radiation therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound, and cryosurgery. We describe the additional value of functional techniques in the assessment of local recurrence. CONCLUSION. The use of functional MRI techniques such as MR spectroscopy, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI has shown promise in increasing overall imaging performance in the detection of local recurrence.