Role of Proton MR-Spectroscopy in Predicting the Response of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Abstract

reast cancer is a cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin. Risk factors for developing breast cancer include being female, obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, having children late or not at all, older age, and family history. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a relatively recent diagnostic tool for the breast, and the role of MRI in breast cancer management is evolving. As an adjunct to mammography and ultrasound, MRI can be a valuable addition to the work-up of a breast abnormality or biopsy-proven cancer. MRI has the advantages of providing a three-dimensional view of the breast, performing with high sensitivity in dense breast tissue and using non-ionizing radiation. MRI has significant disadvantages as well, including its high cost, variability in performance, and moderate specificity that, in combination with high sensitivity, often leads to unnecessary work-up. Two areas where the advantages of MRI over convent