Imaging Evaluation in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma continues to be a challenging tumor to image and treat. A multimodality multidisciplinary team approach including surgery, oncology, radiology and radiation therapy is required for successful outcomes. Reliable and reproducible methods of assessing treatment response are crucial for guiding management, whether for clinical practice, research, or to meet the requirements of a clinical trial. Computed Tomography is the first line imaging modality due to its superb spatial resolution and volumetric data set, allowing for 3D reconstructions that aid in tumor volume assessment and surgical planning. MRI has the potential to provide qualitative, quantitative, anatomical and functional information without the use of ionizing radiation or intravenous contrast administration. Newer advances and optimization of existing protocols can help identify imaging biomarkers that can serve as surrogates of survival.

Keywords: ADC, DCE-MRI, DWI, Mesothelioma, RECIST, tumor volume.

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