Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in oncology: how we do it

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is advantageous for perfusion imaging due to its non-ionizing nature and minimal contrast agent (CA) requirements.
• Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) acquires sequential T1-weighted images during CA bolus passage, enabling both qualitative and quantitative perfusion and permeability assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the acquisition, CA administration, and post-processing steps in clinical DCE-MRI studies.
• To discuss heuristics for interpreting contrast enhancement time series in DCE-MRI.
• To evaluate the current clinical utility and future potential of quantitative DCE-MRI.

Main Methods:

• Examination of T1-weighted image series acquisition protocols.
• Review of contrast agent administration techniques.
• Analysis of post-processing methodologies for DCE-MRI data.
• Discussion of interpretation strategies for contrast enhancement time courses.

Main Results:

• Qualitative DCE-MRI is widely used for tumor diagnosis and MR mammography.
• Quantitative DCE-MRI applications remain largely confined to clinical trials.
• Standardization proposals by the Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance may foster broader clinical adoption.

Conclusions:

• DCE-MRI is a versatile perfusion imaging technique with inherent safety advantages.
• Advancements in standardization are crucial for expanding the clinical use of quantitative DCE-MRI.
• Future integration of quantitative DCE-MRI may enhance diagnostic capabilities in various clinical settings.