Magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an imaging tool for cancer: a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review the use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) as a clinical tool in the identification of cerebral neoplasia type and grade, as well as neoplasia in the prostate, colon, breast, cervix, pancreas, and esophagus. Also, to review how clinicians are using MRS for surgical planning and longitudinal evaluation of tumors after treatment.


METHODS
Studies and clinical case reports published within the previous 10 years, targeting publications in radiology and oncology journals within the previous 3 years. Sources identified via MEDLINE and PubMed databases.


METHODS
Studies that contrasted MRS with conventional diagnostic and prognostic methods were considered to yield the most relevant data for this review. Studies discussing cancer staging and grading were also examined to help determine clinical significance of MRS.


METHODS
A review of the literature reveals that, although MRS has mainly been used in diagnostics and tumor evaluation for brain cancer, it is becoming an increasingly important adjunct to conventional diagnostic and monitoring procedures for cancer of the prostate, colon, breast, cervix, pancreas, and esophagus.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical usefulness of MRS has yet to be fully substantiated. As MRS availability and access increases, appropriate evaluations of its strengths and weaknesses will be made. The authors conclude that research to date and primary observation indicate that MRS is a promising clinical tool for oncologic management of patients.
Shah
Naishadh
N
New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury and Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, NY, USA. naishadhs@gmail.com
Sattar
Ayesha
A
Benanti
Michael
M
Hollander
Scott
S
Cheuck
Lanna
L
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis