MRI surveillance in breast cancer survivors – pro
Women with a history of breast cancer are known to face a higher risk of developing new or recurrent disease. At this point there remains much controversy regarding the optimal imaging modality to use in surveillance of these women for the development of contralateral breast cancers or of in-breast recurrences. Current guidelines published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommend mammography alone as an imaging modality suitable for surveillance of these patients; this is similar to the recommendation for the use of mammogram in the routine surveillance of unaffected women over 50. No other imaging modality, including breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was thought to have sufficient evidence to justify inclusion in the recommended surveillance of breast cancer survivors. NCCN guidelines similarly recommend annual mammography as the mainstay of surveillance for these patients. Weinstock et al concluding in her recent review: “Although there is a suggestion of benefit based on these experiences, and based on review of our own data, there is still much research to be done in the prospective setting before this modality can be widely recommended.