Integration of breast magnetic resonance imaging with breast cancer treatment

High-contrast, high-resolution breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a highly accurate method for determining the extent of breast cancer. This information can be used to improve therapy by better defining the extent of surgery needed, coordinating additional surgery if the initial surgery results in positive pathological margins, and determining the effectiveness and extent of residual disease following nonsurgical therapy. The use of stereotaxic biopsy and localization is an essential component for extending the use of breast MRI in therapeutic applications. The clinical value of therapeutic management with breast MRI information is expected to result in commercially available tools in the near future.