Scans are a type of imaging that creates pictures of the inside of the body. Scans are used to diagnose metastatic disease, look for new sites of metastasis, monitor progression, and assess response to treatment. Common types of imaging used in MBC include MRI scans, PET scans, PET/CT scans, CT scans, and bone scans. Researchers are performing clinical trials to improve imaging and decide when imaging should be done. Some scans use radioactive tracers that create a better picture of the cancer.
This month, we begin a series about the different types of scans, starting with an overview. In future months, we will highlight details of different types of scans. Click the links below to learn more about the different types of scans and about radioactive tracers used in scans, as well as find imaging clinical trials.
Imaging Scans for MBC
- Dana-Farber Cancer Center (video): Dr. Sarah Sammons explains the different types of imaging scans used in MBC and when they are used
- American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): Imaging scans can be used to find a new site of metastasis or monitor cancer progression
- OncLive: Dr. Rena Callahan discusses the different types of imaging in MBC and when they are most useful
- American Cancer Society: A tracer is a substance given to a patient before a scan. The tracer accumulates in tumor sites and can be detected by cameras that create pictures of where the cancer is
MBC Clinical Trials
- Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Imaging
Last Modified on June 3, 2024