Introduction to special focus section on prostate cancer imaging

Excerpt

There have been incredible advancements in prostate MRI in recent years, which have initiated a massive transformation of the way patients are diagnosed and managed. The decades-old management paradigm of random/systematic partial gland sampling followed by epidemiologically based nomograms to forecast likelihood of potential outcomes is coming to an end, and we have begun the monumental shift toward management informed by an individual patient’s imaging and targeted biopsy results that more accurately reflect their specific disease status. The implications are enormous, and not just for individual patients that are now able to make treatment decisions based on more reliable data about their disease. Just as importantly, the implications for the benefits for our health care system are equally great, including reduced unnecessary biopsies and costly surgeries; reduced morbidity; improved quality; and hopefully improved outcomes and cost-efficacy. These advancements have been manifest in all facets of prostate imaging, from an incredible number of technical advancements in our MRI capabilities to just as importantly in our understanding and standardization of exam interpretations as guided by PIRADS version 2. In the span of less than 10 years, prostate MRI has evolved from a boutique academic offering, to a widely available mainstream diagnostic test that has recognized value to both clinicians and patients. …