What should you know about MRI-Linac for prostate cancer?

MRI provides an image of the prostate and nearby organs while the patient is positioned for radiation. The team can use this information to check anatomy before or during delivery and make planned adjustments when appropriate. The exact workflow depends on the equipment, treatment plan and clinical team.

MRI-Linac is one form of radiotherapy planning and delivery. It is not suitable for every person or every treatment plan, and the decision considers the cancer's features, previous treatment, implants, general health and local expertise.

Your team will explain bladder and bowel preparation, appointment timing, medicines and positioning. Follow those instructions consistently because changes in bladder or bowel filling can affect how the prostate and nearby organs appear on the treatment images.

Tell the team about metal implants, kidney problems, difficulty passing urine, bowel symptoms and previous pelvic treatments. Ask how each session will be monitored, what you may feel and who to contact between appointments.

Contact your treatment team promptly for inability to pass urine, worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, fever or symptoms that stop you drinking and eating. Seek emergency care for severe weakness, breathing difficulty or sudden neurological symptoms. Do not wait for the next treatment visit if symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask why MRI-Linac is being considered, what alternatives are available and how the imaging affects your treatment plan. Discuss expected short-term effects, bladder and bowel preparation, follow-up imaging and whether surgery, brachytherapy or another radiotherapy approach is more appropriate.