Magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer: what the urologist needs to know

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prostate cancer imaging has been an area of burgeoning research activity with a goal of finding imaging characteristics that will allow for improved diagnosis and surveillance of prostate cancer. This article will review the MRI sequences currently used for imaging the prostate and describe the scoring and reporting system used by radiologists for prostate MRI known as the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). Current research regarding the role of prostate MRI for patients without prior biopsy, with prior negative biopsy and elevated PSA, and on active surveillance protocols will also be reviewed.