Update of MR Imaging for Evaluation of Lung Cancer

Abstract

Since MR imaging was introduced for the assessment of thoracic and lung diseases, various limitations have hindered its widespread adoption in clinical practice. Since 2000, various techniques have been developed that have demonstrated the usefulness of MR imaging for lung cancer evaluation, and it is now reimbursed by health insurance companies in many countries. This article reviews recent advances in lung MR imaging, focusing on its use for lung cancer evaluation, especially with regard to pulmonary nodule detection, pulmonary nodule and mass assessment, lung cancer staging and detection of recurrence, postoperative lung function prediction, and therapeutic response evaluation and prediction.

Keywords: Functional imaging; Lung cancer; MR imaging; Pulmonary nodules; Staging.