Use Of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Imaging (Mrsi) In The Treatment Planning Of Gliomas

Radiation therapy of glioma is based on conventional imaging using computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However the results remain poor in part due to uncertainties in delineation of target volume and critical structures. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) can provide additional information on metabolic activity in the selected region of brain tissue that may help in differentiating normal brain from tumor. The information that might be derived from MRSI to better delineate the optimal target volume for radiation therapy of gliomas will be discussed. Technical details of incorporating MRSI into radiation therapy treatment planning process will be presented.