Functional Imaging in Clinical Oncology: Magnetic Resonance Imaging- and Computerised Tomography-based Techniques

Abstract 

Over recent years, advances in cellular biology, molecular biology and genetics have led to a leap forward in our understanding of the biological basis of cancer. Some of these developments have revealed processes and targets that can be visualised and measured by new functional imaging techniques. The resulting images have the potential to improve cancer staging, prognosis and risk assessment, guide radiotherapy planning, direct treatment schedules, improve response assessment and provide new end points for clinical trials. In this review, we have outlined the magnetic resonance imaging- and computerised tomography-based functional techniques and provide evidence for their use.

Key words: Blood oxygen-dependent magnetic resonance imaging, computerised tomography, diffusion-weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, functional imaging, hypoxia, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, tumour vasculature