MR-Linac Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

MR-Linac radiation therapy is a specialized treatment for prostate cancer that combines MRI imaging and radiation treatment in one machine. This video explains what to expect on an MR-Linac treatment day, including arrival, MRI safety checks, bladder and bowel preparation, daily MRI imaging, treatment planning, radiation delivery, and how the care team monitors and adjusts treatment to help protect healthy tissue.

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Developed in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Read the full video transcript below:

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This video explains your MR-Linac treatment day for prostate cancer. We’ll cover steps from arrival to how the team uses daily MRI to adjust radiation and protect healthy tissue.

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Your physician may recommend treatment on an MR-Linac, a specialized radiation therapy system used for prostate cancer.

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The MR-Linac combines MRI imaging with radiation treatment in one machine. MRI helps your care team see the prostate and nearby organs, such as the bladder, rectum, and bowel, clearly. The machine then delivers radiation to the prostate.

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An MRI is taken every day you come in for treatment, not just at the first visit.

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Because the bladder and rectum can change from day to day, the prostate can also shift slightly. With MR-Linac treatment, your team can adjust your radiation plan each day based on how your body looks at that visit. This helps focus radiation on the prostate while helping protect nearby healthy tissue.

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When you arrive, you’ll change into a hospital gown to make sure no metal enters the MRI area. Before each treatment, your radiation therapists will review MRI safety questions and confirm that it is safe to proceed.

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You’ll be asked to arrive one hour before your scheduled appointment for a nurse to perform an enema. You’ll also drink a small amount of water to help position your bladder consistently.

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Before entering the treatment room, your identity will be confirmed, and your therapists will check again for any metal on your body.

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Inside the treatment room, you’ll lie on the treatment table. You’ll be given earplugs and headphones to reduce MRI noise and allow you to communicate with the team. You’ll also receive a call button, which you can press at any time if you have a question or feel uncomfortable.

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An MRI coil will be positioned close to you but suspended above your body. If you wish, you may listen to music or view calming scenery during treatment.

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Once you’re positioned, the table will slide into the MRI opening. Your treatment team will move to the control area, but they will monitor you continuously using cameras and microphones. They will be able to see, hear, and speak with you at all times.

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You’ll be on the table for about 45 minutes or longer. Most of this time is spent taking MRI images and creating a treatment plan based on how your body looks that day. Your physician and treatment team review and approve the plan before radiation begins.

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Radiation delivery itself typically lasts 10 minutes. During this time, MRI imaging continues to monitor your anatomy. If movement is detected, radiation will automatically pause, and adjustments can be made if needed.

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MR-Linac treatment allows your care team to adjust your radiation each day based on your body’s natural changes.

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If you have questions before or during treatment, your radiation team is always available to support you and help ensure your comfort throughout the process.

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This video is not meant to replace medical advice from your doctor.  Talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

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