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Macromolecular contrast agents for MR mammography: current status
Heike E Daldrup-Link1, Robert C Brasch
1Department of Radiology, Technical University, Ismaninger Strasse 22, 81675 Munich, Germany. daldrup@roe.med.tu-muenchen.de
European Radiology
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Macromolecular contrast media (MMCM) offer dynamic MRI insights into breast lesions, assessing tumor blood volume and permeability. This aids in differentiating benign from malignant tumors and monitoring therapy response.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Macromolecular contrast media (MMCM) represent a novel class of diagnostic agents.
- Dynamic MRI utilizes MMCM to gather physiologic and morphologic data in breast lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential mammographic applications and limitations of various MMCM.
- To identify candidate MMCM with suitable intravascular distribution and tolerance for clinical use.
Main Methods:
- Kinetic analysis of dynamic MMCM-enhanced MRI data in breast tumor patients.
- Review of experimental animal and clinical testing of MMCM.
Main Results:
- MMCM-enhanced MRI provides estimates of tumor blood volume and microvascular permeability.
- These parameters are crucial for differentiating benign from malignant breast lesions.
Conclusions:
- MMCM hold promise for breast cancer diagnosis, angiogenesis assessment, and therapy monitoring.
- Further research is needed to identify MMCM with optimal characteristics for clinical mammography.