Magnetic resonance imaging for assessing treatment response in bone marrow metastases

Abstract

Cancer metastasis to bone is a frequent observation in malignancy that may result in complications such as pathological fractures and spinal cord compression. Monitoring treatment effects is the main concern in oncology; however, the evaluation of treatment response in bone is particularly challenging as it lacks well-established criteria. In addition, bone metastases have traditionally been considered non-measurable manifestations of cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most specific and sensitive methods for imaging skeletal metastases. The aim of this article is to highlight the diagnostic performance of MRI in the treatment monitoring of bone metastases, to review the current literature, and to provide an overview of recommendations for the evaluation of treatment response in bone.