Advanced MR Techniques for Preoperative Glioma Characterization: Part 2

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Conventional structural MRI for glioma lacks genotype information and struggles with diffuse tumor delineation.
• Glioma's infiltrative nature leads to poor outcomes, necessitating advanced diagnostic tools.
• The GliMR COST action promotes awareness and clinical translation of advanced MRI in gliomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the state-of-the-art advanced MRI techniques for preoperative glioma assessment.
• To summarize the clinical validation and application of these advanced MRI methods.
• To highlight the limitations and potential of novel MRI techniques in neuro-oncology.

Main Methods:

• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
• Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST)
• Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI)
• MRI-PET, MR Elastography (MRE)
• MR-based Radiomics
• Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC) MRI
• Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced (DCE) MRI
• Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL)
• Diffusion-Weighted MRI
• Vessel Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting (MRF)

Main Results:

• Advanced MRI techniques show promise in overcoming limitations of conventional MRI for glioma.
• Specific techniques like MRS and radiomics offer insights into tumor genotype and characteristics.
• The review synthesizes the current evidence level (EVIDENCE LEVEL: 3) and technical efficacy (Stage 2) of various methods.

Conclusions:

• Advanced MRI techniques are crucial for improving preoperative glioma assessment and management.
• Further clinical translation and validation are needed to fully integrate these techniques into routine practice.
• These advanced methods hold the potential to enhance tumor delineation and personalize treatment strategies for glioma patients.