Imaging techniques in neuro-oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To review neuroimaging techniques used in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with brain tumors as well as promising new technology.


METHODS
Published articles and reference books.


CONCLUSIONS
The primary method used in the initial diagnosis, monitoring of response, and determination of progression in neuro-oncology is neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. New techniques, such as spectroscopy and diffusion-weighted imaging allow the clinician to look at the metabolic make-up of the tumor in addition to the size and amount of enhancement. These techniques will allow for better understanding of the occurrence of changes in the tumor with therapy and hold the promise of earlier diagnosis of progression and response.


CONCLUSIONS
Understanding the application of current neuroimaging techniques is essential for the oncology nurse caring for brain tumor patients to provide education and assist with interpretation of results.
Armstrong
Terri S
TS
University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA. Tsarmstr@mdanderson.org
Cohen
Marlene Z
MZ
Weinberg
Jeffrey
J
Gilbert
Mark R
MR
D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003943:Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D009445:Neuroanatomy; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed