Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Guided Advanced Procedure and Simulations (MAPS) uses MRI imaging to perform an external beam radiation therapy “simulation” (or planning procedure) for a variety of tumors for improved targeting.
This state-of-the-art suite will be the first in New England to offer this type of radiation therapy planning and brachytherapy.
Having the MRI simulator gives us the ability to generate high quality MRI images with the patient in the treatment position in their customized immobilization devices (used to hold the patient in the correct position), which further increases the accuracy of our treatments.
For radiation therapy of soft tissue tumors such as cancers of the breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary (e.g. prostate and bladder), gynecological, head and neck, and sarcoma the detailed information provided by MRI can improve our ability to target the cancer and identify important nearby organs during the radiation therapy planning process. This will allow your doctors to deliver more precise radiation therapy that can minimize injury to surrounding organs and reduce toxicities, to improve outcomes.
The MRI imaging performed for radiation therapy planning is high quality since the scanner is the same state-of-the-art scanner used for diagnostic scans in radiology. The big difference is that we will be able to perform the MRI scan with the patient in the treatment position and with their custom radiation therapy immobilization equipment in place, which will allow us to plan the radiation treatments more accurately.
MRI does not expose the patient to any ionizing radiation.
Call 617-732-MR-RT or email MR-Treatment@bwh.harvard.edu to setup an appointment with one of our specialists.
A radiation oncology staff member will call you before your MRI to confirm your appointment, review the safety and medical screening questions, and give you any instructions you may need.
If your MRI requires the use of an IV contrast dye, you will be asked questions to determine if you have a history of kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, multiple myeloma, or other conditions. Some patients may need a blood test to check their kidney function first.
Contrast preparation: Many of our patients receive an oral or intravenous (IV) contrast dye during their MRI to better visualize the area being scanned. The contrast agents in use today carry a low risk of allergic reaction and cause little discomfort for most people. If the doctor determines that IV contrast dye is necessary, the technologist will place an IV in your arm prior to your scan. If an oral contrast is needed, you will be asked to arrive early to take the contrast.
It is important to keep taking your medications unless otherwise instructed. For some MRI-guided procedures, you may be asked to stop taking your medicine prior to your procedure.
If you are having your abdomen scanned, you might need to fast 4-6 hours before the MRI exam. This will ensure that undigested food will not obscure the images. For some exams, you may be asked to drink some oral contrast when you arrive for your MRI exam. Most other MRI exams do not require you to fast or otherwise restrict your diet.
You will be asked to arrive early before your scheduled appointment to allow time to complete some required paperwork, placement of an IV if needed, and change into a hospital gown. At that time, a technologist will review the safety screening questions with you.
You will need to change into a hospital gown. Our changing areas are private and there is a secure locker for your clothes and belongings. It is best if you leave valuable items at home. You will need to lock up all of your belongings, including your cell phone and credit cards. If you are wearing anything metallic, such as jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, or hearing aids that might interfere with the MRI, we will ask you to remove them. Patients who are having a brain / head MRI should not wear make-up as some brands contain metal.
Scanning: A technologist will bring you into the MRI room where you will lie down on the patient table in the immobilization devices that were made to hold you in the same position each day. You will be positioned in the large cylindrical magnet with the area to be imaged centered in the cylinder. The scanner makes a loud knocking noise when it takes the pictures. To lessen the noise, the MRI technologist will give you earplugs. In some instances, you will be offered headphones to listen to music. You will also be given a squeeze ball that sends a signal to the technologist in the observation room in case you are having a problem. You may use the squeeze ball at any time to get our attention.
The technologist will leave the room but will monitor you through the observation window just outside the scanner room and with cameras. There is also audio communication at all times through an intercom system that the technologist will use to instruct you on what is happening during the scan. It is important for you to lie very still. For some exams, you will be asked to hold your breath as the pictures are taken or the treatment is given.
Length of MRI exam: MRI scans used for radiation therapy planning may vary in length but most take 20-60 minutes to complete after you have been positioned inside the scanner.
Call 617-732-MR-RT or email MR-Treatment@bwh.harvard.edu to setup an appointment with one of our specialists.
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