Speaker
Description
Early detection of brain tumors is essential for improving clinical outcomes and guiding effective therapeutic interventions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a central role in neuro-oncology due to its non-invasive nature and superior soft-tissue contrast. Recent developments in MRI technology, driven by advances in medical physics and biophysical modeling, have significantly improved the sensitivity and specificity of brain tumor detection and characterization. This study reviews key advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), and functional MRI (fMRI) and their contributions to understanding tumor physiology and microstructure. Diffusion-weighted imaging quantifies the microscopic motion of water molecules, providing biophysical information about cellular density and tissue architecture that helps distinguish tumor tissue from normal brain parenchyma. Perfusion-weighted imaging evaluates tumor vascularity and hemodynamic parameters, offering insights into angiogenesis and tumor grading. Functional MRI utilizes blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal changes to map neural activity, supporting the preservation of critical functional regions during neurosurgical planning. From a medical physics perspective, advancements in MRI acquisition protocols, signal modeling, and quantitative imaging biomarkers have improved image quality, diagnostic reliability, and reproducibility. The integration of these advanced MRI methods provides a comprehensive framework for early tumor detection, improved treatment planning, and monitoring of therapeutic response. Continued progress in MRI physics and biophysical analysis is expected to further enhance the role of imaging in precision neuro-oncology.
Keywords: Medical Physics, biophysics, magnetic resonance imaging, brain tumors, diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion MRI, functional MRI.
