Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI) generates functional images based on physiological processes within breast tissue, while conventional breast diagnostic imaging is based on anatomy and morphology. MBI can improve detection of multifocal and multicentric breast cancer, allow detection of contralateral breast cancer and may lead to change in patient's management. MBI can be used for an early assessment of tumor's response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and indicate if treatment should be altered or prolonged in order to achieve optimal response prior to surgery. MBI can be used for assessment of residual cancer burden after NAC and help in correct surgical planning, segmentectomy versus mastectomy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS/OUTLINEMBI principles, physiological mechanisms, imaging techniques. MBI lexicon, diagnostic accuracy and radiation dose. Role of MBI for initial staging of the breast cancer. Use of MBI for assessment of tumor response to NAC and residual disease before surgery. Comparison of MBI with other breast imaging modalities. MBI challenges and advantages.