Can magnetic resonance imaging replace conventional computerized tomography for follow-up of patients with testicular cancer? - A systematic review

TY - JOUR

T1 - Can magnetic resonance imaging replace conventional computerized tomography for follow-up of patients with testicular cancer? - A systematic review

AU - Busch, Jonas

AU - Schmidt, Stefanie

AU - Albers, Peter

AU - Heinzelbecker, Julia

AU - Kliesch, Sabine

AU - Lackner, Julia

AU - Pfister, David

AU - Ruf, Christian

AU - Winter, Christian

AU - Zengerling, Friedemann

AU - Beyersdorff, Dirk

N1 - © 2022. The Author(s).

PY - 2022/12

Y1 - 2022/12

N2 - PURPOSE: Follow-up protocols for patients with testicular cancer (TC) have significantly reduced the number of cross-sectional imaging studies to reduce radiation exposure. At present, it is unclear whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could replace conventional computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The objective of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence on this topic and to review guideline recommendations with regard to the use of MRI.METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed searching Medline and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on patients with TC in the follow-up care (last search in February 2021). Additionally, guideline recommendations for TC were screened. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed and used for a descriptive presentation of results.RESULTS: A total of four studies including two ongoing trials were identified. Overall, the scientific evidence of prospective comparative studies is based on 102 patients. Data suggest that abdominal imaging with MRI can replace conventional CT for detection of lymph node metastasis of the retroperitoneum to spare radiation exposure and contrast media application. However, experienced radiologists are needed. Clinical guidelines are aware of the risk of diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy due to CT imaging and some have adapted their recommendations accordingly. Results of the two ongoing trials on 738 patients are expected soon to provide more reliable results on this topic.CONCLUSIONS: There is growing evidence that abdominopelvic MRI imaging can replace CT imaging during follow-up of patients with TC in order to reduce radiation exposure and diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy.

AB - PURPOSE: Follow-up protocols for patients with testicular cancer (TC) have significantly reduced the number of cross-sectional imaging studies to reduce radiation exposure. At present, it is unclear whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could replace conventional computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The objective of this study is to summarize the scientific evidence on this topic and to review guideline recommendations with regard to the use of MRI.METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed searching Medline and Cochrane databases for prospective studies on patients with TC in the follow-up care (last search in February 2021). Additionally, guideline recommendations for TC were screened. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed and used for a descriptive presentation of results.RESULTS: A total of four studies including two ongoing trials were identified. Overall, the scientific evidence of prospective comparative studies is based on 102 patients. Data suggest that abdominal imaging with MRI can replace conventional CT for detection of lymph node metastasis of the retroperitoneum to spare radiation exposure and contrast media application. However, experienced radiologists are needed. Clinical guidelines are aware of the risk of diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy due to CT imaging and some have adapted their recommendations accordingly. Results of the two ongoing trials on 738 patients are expected soon to provide more reliable results on this topic.CONCLUSIONS: There is growing evidence that abdominopelvic MRI imaging can replace CT imaging during follow-up of patients with TC in order to reduce radiation exposure and diagnosis-induced secondary malignancy.

KW - Male

KW - Humans

KW - Testicular Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging

KW - Prospective Studies

KW - Follow-Up Studies

KW - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

U2 - 10.1007/s00345-022-03931-6

DO - 10.1007/s00345-022-03931-6

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 35037965

VL - 40

SP - 2843

EP - 2852

JO - WORLD J UROL

JF - WORLD J UROL

SN - 0724-4983

IS - 12

ER -