Brain metastases from breast cancer using magnetic resonance imaging: A systematic review

Despite improvements in imaging and treatment approaches, brain metastases (BMs) continue to be the primary cause of mortality and morbidity in about 20% of adult cancer patients. This research aimed to review the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical characteristics of BMs resulting from breast cancer (BC). A systematic review of original research articles published from January 2000 to June 2023. We selected studies that reported MRI findings of BMs in BC patients. We excluded reviews, case reports, books/book chapters, animal studies and irrelevant records. We identified 24 studies that included 1580 BC patients with BMs. T1-weighted (T1-w) (pre- and postcontrast), T2-weighted (T2-w), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and T2*-weighted (T2*-w) was used to measure the lesion size, shape and area. In other studies, advanced structural techniques including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) were used to more precisely and sensitively evaluate the pathological area. Furthermore, functional and metabolic techniques like functional MRI (fMRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) have also been utilised. The MRI findings of BMs varied depending on the MRI technique, the BC subtype, the lesion size and shape, the presence of haemorrhage or necrosis and the comparison with other brain tumours. Some MRI findings were associated with prognosis, recurrence or cognitive impairment in BC patients with BMs. MRI detects, characterises and monitors BMs from BC. Findings vary by MRI technique, BC subtype, lesion characteristics and comparison with other brain tumours. More research should validate emerging MRI techniques, determine the clinical implications of findings and explore the underlying mechanisms and biology of BMs from BC. MRI is a valuable tool for diagnosis, targeted therapy and studying BC metastasis.