An Update on the Approach to the Imaging of Brain Tumors

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2017 Jul;17(7):53. doi: 10.1007/s11910-017-0760-z.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Neuroimaging plays a critical role in diagnosis of brain tumors and in assessment of response to therapy. However, challenges remain, including accurately and reproducibly assessing response to therapy, defining endpoints for neuro-oncology trials, providing prognostic information, and differentiating progressive disease from post-therapeutic changes particularly in the setting of antiangiogenic and other novel therapies.

Recent findings: Recent advances in the imaging of brain tumors include application of advanced MRI imaging techniques to assess tumor response to therapy and analysis of imaging features correlating to molecular markers, grade, and prognosis. This review aims to summarize recent advances in imaging as applied to current diagnostic and therapeutic neuro-oncologic challenges.

Keywords: Diffusion; Glioma; MRI; Perfusion; Pet; Spectroscopy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / trends
  • Neuroimaging / methods*
  • Neuroimaging / trends