Emerging Insights on MRI-Guided Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Prostate Cancer

Emerging research suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance may be more advantageous than computed tomography (CT) guidance for reducing the side effects of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Results from the phase 3 randomized trial, recently published in JAMA Oncology, showed that MRI guidance for SBRT led to a significantly reduced acute grade 2 or greater genitourinary (GU) toxicity rate (24.4 percent) versus that of CT guidance (43.4 percent). Researchers also noted no acute grade 2 or greater gastrointestinal (GI) toxic effects with MRI guidance in comparison to a 10.5 percent toxicity rate for CT guidance.

In a recent video interview, lead study author Amar Kishan, M.D. called the MRIdian LINAC (ViewRay) a “major technological breakthrough” that allows physicians to combine continuous MRI imaging with a more targeted radiation delivery system for prostate cancer.

“(With) these advanced precision and accuracy capabilities, particularly that high degree of tracking during the treatment, we felt we could reduce the margins around the prostate that we need to treat from four millimeters to two millimeters,” explained Dr. Kishan, an associate professor, vice-chair of Clinical and Translational Research and chief of the Genitourinary Oncology Service within the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCLA.

For more insights from Dr. Kishan, watch the video below.