“Extraoperative” MRI (eoMRI) for Brain Tumor Surgery: Initial Results at a Single Institution

Abstract

Background There is accumulating evidence that extent of resection (EOR) in intrinsic brain tumor surgery prolongs overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). One of the strategies to increase EOR is the use of intraoperative MRI (ioMRI). However, considerable infrastructure investment is needed to establish and maintain a sophisticated ioMRI. We report the preliminary results of an extra-operative (eoMRI) protocol, with a focus on safety, feasibility and EOR in intrinsic brain tumor surgery. Methods Ten patients underwent an eoMRI protocol consisting of surgical resection in a conventional operating room followed by an immediate MRI in a clinical MRI scanner while the patient was still under anesthesia. If MRI suggested residual safely resectable tumor, the patient was returned to the operating room. Retrospective volumetric analysis was undertaken to investigate the percentage of tumor resected after first resection and if applicable, after further resection. Results 6 out of 10 (60%) patients were felt to require no further resection after eoMRI. The EOR in these patients was 97.8±1.8%. In the 4 patients who underwent further resection, the EOR during the original surgery was 88.5±9.5% (p =0.04). There was an average of 10.1 % more tumor removed between the first and second surgery. In 3/4 (75%) of patients who returned for further resection, gross total resection of was achieved. Conclusion An eoMRI protocol appears to be a safe and practical method to ensure maximum safe resections in patients with brain tumors and can be performed readily in all centers with MRI capability.