Work

Diffusion-weighted MRI as a biomarker for treatment response in glioma

Year: 2012

Type: review

Abstract: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a powerful MRI method, which probes abnormalities of tissue structure by detecting microscopic changes in water mobility at a cellular level beyond what is available with other imaging techniques. Accordingly, DWI has the potential to identify pathology before gross anatomic changes are evident on standard anatomical brain images. These features of tissue characterization and earlier detection are what make DWI particularly appealing for the evaluation of gliomas and the newer therapies where standard anatomical imaging is proving insufficient. This article focuses on the basic principles and applications of DWI, and its derived parameter, the apparent diffusion coefficient, for the purposes of diagnosis and evaluation of glioma, especially in the context of monitoring response to therapy.

Source: CNS Oncology

DOI: 10.2217/cns.12.25

Author: Kathleen M Schmainda

Institution: Medical College of Wisconsin

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Research Resources