The role of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in cancer diagnosis and treatment

Diagn Interv Radiol. 2010 Sep;16(3):186-92. doi: 10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.2537-08.1. Epub 2009 Nov 2.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a key step in the pathophysiology of tumor growth and metastatic spread. Recently, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has emerged as a method for assessing angiogenesis both during the initial diagnosis and for follow up of anti-angiogenic therapies. In this review, we discuss the technical aspects of implementing DCE-MRI in clinical practice with emphasis on acquisition methods and analytic techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / diagnosis
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology