Review of treatment assessment using DCE-MRI in breast cancer radiation therapy

Abstract

As a noninvasive functional imaging technique, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is being used in oncology to measure properties of tumor microvascular structure and permeability. Studies have shown that parameters derived from certain pharmacokinetic models can be used as imaging biomarkers for tumor treatment response. The use of DCE-MRI for quantitative and objective assessment of radiation therapy has been explored in a variety of methods and tumor types. However, due to the complexity in imaging technology and divergent outcomes from different pharmacokinetic approaches, the method of using DCE-MRI in treatment assessment has yet to be standardized, especially for breast cancer. This article reviews the basic principles of breast DCE-MRI and recent studies using DCE-MRI in treatment assessment. Technical and clinical considerations are emphasized with specific attention to assessment of radiation treatment response.

Keywords: Radiation treatment; Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging; Breast cancer; Treatment assessment

Core tip: Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has shown great potentials not only in diagnosis, but also in therapy. DCE-MRI is a promising technique for assessing breast cancer radiation treatment due to its inherent sensitivity to the microvascular environment changes. Correlative studies have demonstrated proof concepts of DCE-MRI parameters as potential biomarkers. This article reviews the basic principles of breast DCE-MRI and recent studies using DCE-MRI in breast treatment assessment. Future clinical trials and research works are needed to develop standardized DCE-MRI assessment methods, towards the goal of individualized radiation therapy.