Magnetic resonance instead of biopsy for the diagnosis of liver tumors

In the future, liver tumors can be determined using a novel MR examination
At MedUni Vienna, a new method for the investigation and classification of liver tumors (adenomas) has been developed, with which it can be determined whether the tumors are benign or malignant. On the basis of the examination with a liver-specific contrast agent, the type of an adenoma can be determined non-invasively, reports the MedUni Vienna.

"With this new examination method, statements about the nature of an adenoma can be made without having to take samples invasively," explains Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah from the University Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at MedUni Vienna. Adenomas are rare tumors in the liver that can develop into malignant tumors but often remain benign. Based on the novel MR (magnetic resonance) examination at MedUni Vienna, adenomas can now be classified in a gentle way. In addition, the method of research opens new doors to "better understand the adenoma biology and other liver tumors," according to the MedUni Vienna.

Liver tumors can now be examined using a non-invasive method. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com)

So far, biopsies were needed for diagnosis
So far, invasive tissue has had to be removed from the body and examined histologically to determine the benignity or propensity to malignancy of an adenoma in the liver. Although adenomas are relatively rare in the liver, they could develop in different directions. Three subtypes (benign, inflammatory and carcinogenic) as well as a fourth unclassifiable subgroup with different clinical forms and tendencies for development are known here. The new imaging examination method at the University Clinic for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine of MedUni Vienna can now clearly classify these tumors by means of an MR-liver-specific contrast agent.

Liver-specific contrast agent allows MR examination
According to the MedUni, the liver-specific contrast agent gadoxetate acid disodium targets the bile transporters OATP (Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide) and MRP (Multidrug Resistance-Related Protein) in the adenoma and normal liver cells. These would absorb or withdraw the funds. "The different distribution patterns on the surface of the tumor then allow a statement about its classification on the MR images in relation to the normal liver cells," report the researchers led by Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah, head of the abdominal working group at the University Department of Radiology and nuclear medicine. Their findings were published in the journal "Radiology". (Fp)