Ultrafast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging allows the acquisition of anatomic images of the brain in a fraction of a second. Recently developed imaging techniques have the potential to increase the specificity of information provided by MR imaging. MR imaging techniques that are based on ultrafast scanning have enabled the collection of functional as well as anatomic information concerning tumor microvasculature. These techniques promise to increase knowledge of the tissue characteristics of human brain tumors, their progress, and their responses to therapy.