Can MRI'S be use after RT?

[ASAdvocate]

Just read a post on another forum where the poster said that the gold fiducial markers that are implanted for some types of prostate radiation treatment would preclude future MRI scans.

Is that a fact?

[judg69]

That is not true. What is correct is that once the gold markers are placed you must wait 6 weeks before you can have a MRI. This is the exact situation I am in. The 6 week period ended yesterday and I have my MRI tomorrow am. Best Wishes, judg69

[Tall_Allen]

No. I had fiducials placed and had my planning CT and MRI the same week.

[judg69 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Hi Tall Allen, while you are undoubtedly correct in your situation, the radiologists at my MRI center absolutely refused to do the MRI one week after gold marker placement ( they in fact called my urologist and informed him while I was at the MRI center that it was a 'no go' at that time ) and made me reschedule to satisfy the six week time period. In any event , Best Wishes to all for a healthy 2019! judg69

[Tall_Allen in reply to judg69]

What reason did they give? My RO at UCLA routinely gives MRIs within a day or two. He had some concern several years ago that it would take several days to form the scar tissue that sets them in place, but he found they don't move at all after placement. I've known dozens of guys who had them placed at various top institutions, and yours is the only time I've heard this.

[judg69 in reply to Tall_Allen]

I have no answer as to why the protocols would be so different. I suspect it has to do with ensuring the scar tissue properly forms around the gold marker seeds. It is not like I am in the hinterland , either, as I am in Clearwater, FL. My lung cancer oncologist interned at Moffit Cancer Center, my Urologist at Mayo Clinic, and my radiation oncologist at Chicago Medical. I will ask now, however, why the protocols appear to be at odds. Again, Best Wishes to You and Yours in 2019! judg69

[MINE2 in reply to judg69]

Be aware: "Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) should only be administered when deemed necessary by the radiologist." There is a class action suit in place regarding undesirable side effects MRIs with this contrast