Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the breast: current status

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2013 Aug;21(3):625-39. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2013.04.008. Epub 2013 May 23.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Choline; Diagnosis; Magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Quantification; Treatment monitoring.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Choline / analysis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy / methods*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Choline