The role of dynamic contrast enhanced MR imaging in cancer diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a key step in the pathophysiology of tumor growth and metastatic spread. Recently, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) has emerged as a method for assessing angiogenesis both during the initial diagnosis and for follow up of anti-angiogenic therapies. In this review, we discuss the technical aspects of implementing DCE-MRI in clinical practice with emphasis on acquisition methods and analytic techniques.