MR Spectroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

Semin Breast Dis. 2008 Jun 1;11(2):100-105. doi: 10.1053/j.sembd.2008.03.004.

Abstract

In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) is rapidly becoming useful as a clinical tool for diagnosing and characterizing breast cancers. Alterations of the levels of choline-containing metabolites are associated with malignancy. High-field MR scanners at 1.5 T, 3 T, 4 T, and 7 T have been used to evaluate the role of (1)H MRS measurements of total choline containing compounds in patients with breast cancer. This article will review clinical use of MRI/MRS in vivo. Newer developments in high field MR scanning and quantitative MRS may help breast imagers improve sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing and treating breast cancer.