Advances in Magnetic Resonance and Positron Emission Tomography Imaging: Assessing Response in the Treatment of Low-Grade Glioma

Semin Radiat Oncol. 2015 Jul;25(3):172-80. doi: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2015.02.003. Epub 2015 Feb 21.

Abstract

Following combined-modality therapy for the treatment of low-grade gliomas, the assessment of treatment response and the evaluation of disease progression are uniformly challenging. In this article, we review existing response criteria, and discuss the limitations of conventional magnetic resonance imaging to distinguish between progression and treatment effect. We review the data on advanced imaging techniques including positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging, which may enhance the interpretation of posttreatment changes, and enable the earlier assessment of the efficacy and toxicity of therapy in these patients with prolonged survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / pathology*
  • Glioma / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Treatment Outcome