Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the breast: current status.
In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the breast can be used to measure the level of choline-containing compounds, which is a biomarker of malignancy. In the diagnostic setting, MRS can provide high specificity for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions. MRS also can be used as an early response indicator in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This article describes the acquisition and analysis methods used for measuring total choline levels in the breast using MRS, reviews the findings from clinical studies of diagnosis and treatment response, and discusses problems, limitations, and future developments for this promising clinical technology.
Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA. patbolan@gmail.com
Patrick J
PJ
Bolan
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002794:Choline / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002794:Choline
Breast cancer; Choline; Diagnosis; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Quantification; Treatment monitoring