Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cancer Turns 45: How It Works, How We Use It Today, and Future Outlook

Magnetic resonance imaging, which produces images from spatially-resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, has been established for in-vivo human use for 45 years. Its first application was the differentiation of cancer from healthy tissue. The NMR properties of living tissue form the basis of established clinical MRI techniques and interpretation. More recent advances have expanded the tools available to clinicians, enabling not only the detection of tumors, but measurement and characterization, enabling more specific diagnoses as well as monitoring of therapeutic response. Additional applications beyond cancer imaging now support diagnosis and treatment of virtually every organ, tissue, and system in the human body. With ubiquitous applications in modern medicine, the future of MRI research emphasizes development of quantitative imaging techniques, improved speed and safety, and increased access for patients to receive MRI scanning. This presentation will review the physical fundamentals of MRI signal and contrast, provide a clinical overview of the techniques used in current radiology practice, and highlight current, ongoing research for the future development of MRI in human health.