Interventional MRI for oncologic applications

Interventional radiology plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of many oncologic disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has excellent soft-tissue contrast capabilities and allows visualization of anatomical details of many organs that is not possible with other imaging modalities. MRI also is multiplanar, has the ability to display tissue temperature changes, and uses no ionizing radiation. With an open configuration MRI system, the radiologist may stand alongside the patient and view images, all while performing an interventional procedure. In this article, we explain the rationale for using MRI to guide interventions, focus on technical aspects of biopsy, cryoablation, focused ultrasound, and brachytherapy, and provide a primer for the interventional radiologist wishing to use MRI to guide oncologic interventions.