What Are the Clinical Applications of DWI in Oncology?
DWI has several clinical applications in oncology, including:
Tumor Detection: DWI can help identify and locate tumors that might not be visible on standard MRI sequences. Tumor Characterization: By assessing the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values, DWI can provide insights into the biological properties of tumors, such as cellularity and the integrity of cell membranes. Treatment Monitoring: DWI can be used to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Changes in ADC values can indicate tumor response to therapy, often before changes are visible on conventional imaging. Detection of Recurrence: DWI can help in identifying recurrent tumors, particularly in cases where traditional imaging techniques are inconclusive.
