Principal Investigator: Nola Hylton
In a newly funded area of research, we are developing high-resolution MRI methods for evaluation ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early form of breast cancer that is generally detected as micro-calcifications on screening mammography. Because it is difficult to determine the true extent of DCIS on mammography or clinical exam, this good prognosis lesion is often treated by mastectomy. The primary goal of this study is to develop improved breast MRI methods to better identify DCIS, define it's extent and assess the likelihood that an invasive disease component is present. These techniques ill be used to assess patients with a biopsy diagnosis of DCIS-only who are being considered for pre-operative hormonal or statin treatment. MRI will also be used to monitor their response to treatment. In this application, we are refining the SER imaging method and also investigating several new quantitative methods for characterizing breast tissue, including arterial spin labeling, being developed by Dr. Ka-loh Li, as a non-contrast method for evaluating tumor and normal breast tissue perfusion. We are also exploring a fast high resolution spectroscopic method developed by Greg Karczmar at University of Chicago for analysis of sub-voxelar fat-water composition of breast tissue. As part of this study we are integrating the advanced coil technology and MRI-guided biopsy capabilities of the Sentinelle VanguardTM breast MRI system for detecting and performing needle biopsies of DCIS lesions.
Funding Sources: NIH/NCI R01 CA 116182