Functional magnetic resonance imaging in oncology for diagnosis and therapy monitoring.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging is rapidly evolving as a capable noninvasive assessment tool for oncology to improve diagnosis and to monitor therapy. Current clinical techniques are based on microcirculation imaging using extracellular low molecular weight contrast agents such as gadopentetate dimeglumine and analogues. The temporal evolution of the enhancement visualizes the angiogenic properties of lesions with regard to vascular density and permeability, heterogeneity, and changes during therapy.