Magnetic resonance imaging of breast cancer angiogenesis: a review

J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2002 Sep;21(3 Suppl):47-54.

Abstract

The development and growth of solid tumors rely on a process known as perfusion which allows for the delivery and clearance of nutrients through their vasculature. The classical approach of studying tumor vasculature by histologic staining of endothelial cells provides a measure of microvessel density in areas of high vascularization (so-called "hot spots"). More advanced high-resolution, parametric, contrast-enhanced MRI techniques enable quantitative assessment of the vascular distribution and function over the entire tumor. Hence, MRI overcomes the intratumoral variation of the histological method. Clinical testing of the MRI approach, that evaluates the permeability and surface area of the tumor vasculature, demonstrates improved accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Contrast Media
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Contrast Media