MR MAMMOGRAPHY ASSESSMENT OF TUMOR RESPON SE AFTER NEOADJUVANT RADIOCHEMOTHERAPY OF LOCALLY PROGRESSED CARCINOMAS OF THE BREAST

Purpose: We investigated the role of magnetic resonance mammography in monitoring tumour response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) a fter neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Material and methods: 17 patients with LABS had a magnetic resonance mammography and ultrasonography bef ore and after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Results: After neoadjuvan t radiochemotherapy 14 patients showed in MR-mammography less pronounc ed and prolonged enhancement without washout. After treatment three pa tients had signal intensity-time curves still characteristic for tumou r. Ultrasonography was true negative in two patients, true positive in 12 and false positive in three patients. Conclusion: Magnetic resonan ce mammography is suitable for monitoring tumour response after radioc hemotherapy of LABC. However, a negative MRI does not exclude a residu al tumour. Ultrasonography is of limited value in monitoring therapy o f LABC.