Breast MRI helps predict chemo’s effectiveness

MRI that is used to determine how well breast cancer tumours are responding to chemotherapy may help shape patient care.  A new study shows how imaging can play a vital role in characterizing a tumor and monitoring treatment response.

A study done at the University of California (San Francisco) looked at the results of women who had chemotherapy prior to surgery.  They received Breast MRIs before their chemo started, after one round of chemo, after a second round of chemo and again prior to surgery.

Breast MRI proved to be better than clinical examination in accurately showing how well a tumour responded to chemotherapy and how much tumour was remaining.  Researchers found that the best predictive information about how a tumour is responding comes early in treatment–during the MRI done after the first treatment.  This means that doctors can get useful information early on in a patient’s chemotherapy to determine how well its working.  Treatment changes then can be made if necessary.

If you have received a diagnosis of breast cancer, or have had breast cancer in the past, talk to your doctor about having a Breast MRI. 

Breast MRI exams are available at Canada Diagnostic, analyzed by a radiologist with a sub-speciality in breast imaging.  Call us today for more information at 877-709-8522 or email us:  info@canadadiagnostic.com