Dynamic MR imaging as a predictor of prognosis in breast cancer

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Szabó, Botond K. | Kristoffersen-Wiberg, Maria

Affiliations: Division of Radiology, Department for Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden

Note: [] Corresponding author: Botond K. Szabó, Department of Radiology, Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF47 9DT, United Kingdom. Tel.: +44 1685 721721; E-mail: botsza@gmail.com.

Abstract: Contrast-enhanced MR imaging (CE-MRI) has become a widely accepted complementary method for diagnosing breast cancer. It has been suggested for evaluating patients with breast implants, patients at risk of tumour multifocality or recurrence, search for occult primary cancer in presence of axillary metastasis and monitoring the effect of preoperative chemotherapy. The clinical usefulness of MR imaging in patients with increased genetic risk of breast cancer is still under investigation. There is scientific evidence to support the hypothesis that CE-MRI may carry the prognostic significance of angiogenesis, and one of the future indications of this method can be the prognostic evaluation of breast cancer patients by the functional mapping of the angiogenic activity of tumours. On the basis of the promising results of recent reports, further large-scale studies are needed to evaluate the impact of MR parameters on long term overall survival of patients with breast cancer.

Journal: Spectroscopy, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 19-28, 2006