[Molecular breast imaging : An update.]

[Molecular breast imaging : An update.]
Radiologe. 2014 Feb 22;
Authors: Pinker K, Helbich TH, Magometschnigg H, Fueger B, Baltzer P
Abstract
CLINICAL/METHODICAL ISSUE: The aim of molecular imaging is to visualize and quantify biological, physiological and pathological processes at cellular and molecular levels. Molecular imaging using various techniques has recently become established in breast imaging.
STANDARD RADIOLOGICAL METHODS: Currently molecular imaging techniques comprise multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI), diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRSI), nuclear imaging by breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI), positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission mammography (PEM) and combinations of techniques (e.g. PET-CT and multiparametric PET-MRI).
METHODICAL INNOVATIONS: Recently, novel techniques for molecular imaging of breast tumors, such as sodium imaging ((23)Na-MRI), phosphorus spectroscopy ((31)P-MRSI) and hyperpolarized MRI as well as specific radiotracers have been developed and are currently under investigation.
PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: It can be expected that molecular imaging of breast tumors will enable a simultaneous assessment of the multiple metabolic and molecular processes involved in cancer development and thus an improved detection, characterization, staging and monitoring of response to treatment w...

Source: Der Radiologe - February 22, 2014 Category: Radiology Authors: Pinker K, Helbich TH, Magometschnigg H, Fueger B, Baltzer P Tags: Radiologe Source Type: research