Breast MRI May Reduce Local Breast Cancer Recurrence Rates

The use of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgical intervention (for the treatment of breast cancer) can reduce the number of local (confined to the breast) tumor recurrences at follow-up, according to new research.

The study's findings were presented May 3, 2010, at the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) 2010 annual meeting in San Diego, CA, USA. MRI of the breast is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat breast cancer. "Local and regional recurrences after breast-conserving surgery are rare events,” said Valeria Dominelli, M.D., lead author of the study. "However, young age and breast density put patients at a greater risk,” said Dr. Dominelli.

The study, performed at the University of Rome "La Sapienza” (Italy), included 49 patients with a local recurrence that was detected after surgical treatment of the primary carcinoma. Ten patients had a contrast-enhanced MRI prior to surgery while the remaining 39 patients did not. Contralateral carcinoma and local recurrence were seen significantly more in patients who did not receive an MRI examination prior to surgery.

"Our study suggests that preoperative breast MRI staging allows for a significant reduction in the number of local cancer recurrences at follow-up,” concluded Dr. Dominelli. "Breast MRI should be recommended to patients with breast cancer for a better evaluation of the extent of disease.”

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University of Rome "La Sapienza”