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Abstract #4558

Multifunctional MRI to Detect and Localize Multifocal and Multicentric Breast Cancer

Elizabeth O'Flynn1, Anna Kirby2, Maria Schmidt1, Ashutosh Nerurkar3, Veronica A. Morgan1, Erica Scurr1, John Yarnold2, Nandita M. deSouza1

1Cancer Research UK and EPSRC Cancer Imaging Centre, Institute of Cancer Research & Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom; 2Clinical Academic Radiotherapy, Institute of Cancer Research & Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom; 3Histopathology, Institute of Cancer Research & Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom


This pilot study demonstrates the accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI and diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI in detecting and localising multifocal and multicentric disease in patients with breast cancer by correlating imaging with histopathology findings at mastectomy. DCE-MRI alone was most accurate in detecting satellite lesions (sensitivity of 89%), DW-MRI was least accurate (sensitivity 55%). Satellite lesions were found up to 22 mm from the edge of the index lesion. Accurate identification of satellite lesions with multifunctional MRI offers potential for monitoring the effects of local therapies on multifocal and multicentric disease, and in defining the target volume for partial breast irradiation.