Cancer imaging: novel concepts in clinical magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Abstract. Kwee TC, Takahara T, Klomp DWJ, Luijten PR. (University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands). Cancer imaging: novel concepts in clinical magnetic resonance imaging. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 120-132.Cancer is a major public health problem in the Western world. Imaging is of crucial importance in oncology, because it may reduce cancer-related morbidity and mortality. To improve tumour evaluation, there is a need for functional imaging modalities that go beyond gross assessment of anatomical abnormalities and allow visualization and quantification of biochemical processes in vivo. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) not only provides anatomical information, but also offers a wide range of functional sequences that may aid the evaluation of cancerous lesions. Furthermore, MRI provides the opportunity to guide and monitor anticancer therapies noninvasively. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the most promising developments of MRI in the functional assessment of cancer and the guidance and monitoring of (novel) anticancer therapies.

Advanced MRI Techniques of Soft Tissue Tumors

“…Functional imaging might provide an opportunity to adjust individual treatment regimens more rapidly, sparing patients the unnecessary morbidity, expense, and delays in the initiation of effective treatment [ 30 ].…”

Overview of Positron Emission Tomography, Hybrid Positron Emission Tomography Instrumentation, and Positron Emission Tomography Quantification

“…20 Advanced MRI techniques may also be used to assess pulmonary perfusion, hemodynamics, and ventilation. 21 Furthermore, unlike CT, MRI does not utilize ionizing radiation, making it a more attractive method for the evaluation of younger patients and of patients undergoing repeated examinations.…”

White Paper on P4 Concepts for Pediatric Imaging

“…Minimally invasive image-guided interventions, such as transarterial embolization, ablative techniques, and, in the future, gene therapy, are increasingly being used in the management of a variety of diseases, particularly malignant tumors. [52] [53] Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has shown promising results in patients with malignant liver tumors [54–57]. Hundreds of studies in adults demonstrated that TACE can efficiently shrink tumors before surgery or selectively treat inoperable tumors with fewer side effects compared to systemic therapy.…”