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New directions in medical imaging of cancer. Magnetic resonance methods and single photon emission computed tomography
Author(s) -
Nunnally Ray L.,
Antich Peter P.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19910215)67:4+<1271::aid-cncr2820671525>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - magnetic resonance imaging , single photon emission computed tomography , emission computed tomography , nuclear magnetic resonance , medicine , nuclear medicine , preclinical imaging , magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging , image resolution , in vivo , positron emission tomography , radiology , optics , physics , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Magnetic resonance methods and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are developing technologies that provide both functional and anatomic information. Their role in the diagnosis and monitoring of cancer is the subject of current clinical research. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) delineates organs and tissue heterogeneities using differences in the relaxation parameters of water and fat protons; both protons and other nuclei can be imaged or studied by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to provide information on the state of naturally occurring or infused molecules. SPECT quantifies the distribution of radiolabeled agents in tissues and organs; labeled monoclonal antibodies provide highly specific imaging of tumors. Spatial resolution is the limiting technologic factor. Proton MRI provides the highest current resolution, better than 1 mm in vivo in deep tissues, whereas the resolution of MRS and SPECT is limited to several cubic centimeters. Recent advances in these technologies have significantly increased their specificity and ability to detect small, deep lesions.