Post-treatment MRI aspects of photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES

Photodynamic therapy is a new focal therapy for prostate cancer.

METHODS

In this technique, a photosensitising agent is introduced intravenously, then activated by local laser illumination to induce tumour necrosis. Treatment efficacy is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We illustrate specific post-treatment MRI aspects at early and late follow-up with pathological correlations.

TEACHING POINTS

• Dynamic phototherapy is a new and promising focal therapy for prostate cancer. • One-week MRI shows increased volume of the treated lobe and large, homogeneous necrosis area. • Six-month MRI shows significant changes of the prostate shape and signal. • Six-month MRI becomes "base line" appearance for further follow-up or monitoring.