The declining utilization of brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer: Can magnetic resonance imaging reverse the trend?

The utilization of brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer has fluctuated over the years. Whereas initial excitement led to rapid expansion of this modality, more recent data suggest that prostate brachytherapy is in decline. This article reviews previous and current trends in the utilization of prostate brachytherapy and postulates the potential impact of the integration of magnetic resonance imaging imaging on this modality.