Neuroimaging in Neuro-Oncology

Neuroimaging of brain tumors has evolved from a strictly morphology-based discipline to one that encompasses function, physiology, and anatomy. This review outlines the current imaging standard for patients with brain tumor and summarizes the latest advances in physiology-based imaging methods that complement traditional brain tumor imaging protocols. Emphasis is on the strength and limitations of the current imaging standards and on an overview of several advanced imaging methods including diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), perfusion MRI, and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) imaging. Basic physical principles behind each imaging method are briefly presented, along with a more in-depth discussion of clinical application and potential pitfalls of each technique.