This review provides an in-depth analysis and comprehensive overview of recent advancements in MRI techniques for evaluating esophageal cancer (EC). It discusses the specific MRI acquisition protocols and parameters that enhance image quality and diagnostic accuracy. The review highlights MRI’s role and performance in the initial TNM staging and its potential to refine treatment strategies by improving tumor delineation and characterization. Additionally, the paper explores MRI utility in restaging after NAT, focusing on its accuracy in assessing treatment response and detecting residual or recurrent disease. Comparisons with other imaging modalities currently used—such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT), and18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT)—are included to highlight the strengths and limitations of each method. Illustrated with numerous Figures, this article proposes a novel MRI-based strategy for EC staging and restaging. It aims to integrate MRI into clinical practice by leveraging its superior soft-tissue contrast and functional imaging capabilities to enhance diagnostic precision and improve patient outcomes. Through this comprehensive evaluation, the review underscores the potential of MRI to become a cornerstone in the precision diagnosis and management of EC.
本综述深入分析并全面概述了磁共振成像（MRI）技术在食管癌（EC）评估中的最新进展。文章详细讨论了能够提升图像质量与诊断准确性的具体MRI采集方案及参数，重点阐述了MRI在初始TNM分期中的作用与表现，以及其通过优化肿瘤边界勾画与特征描述来完善治疗策略的潜力。此外，本文探讨了MRI在新辅助治疗（NAT）后再分期中的应用价值，重点关注其在评估治疗反应、检测残留或复发疾病方面的准确性。文中还将其与目前常用的其他影像学方法——如超声内镜（EUS）、增强计算机断层扫描（CE-CT）以及18F-氟脱氧葡萄糖（FDG）正电子发射断层扫描/CT（PET/CT）——进行了比较，以阐明各种方法的优势与局限。本文通过大量图示，提出了一种基于MRI的食管癌分期与再分期新策略，旨在利用MRI卓越的软组织对比度和功能成像能力，将其整合到临床实践中，从而提高诊断精度并改善患者预后。通过这一全面评估，本综述强调了MRI有潜力成为食管癌精准诊断与管理的基石。
Advancing Esophageal Cancer Staging and Restaging: The Role of MRI in Precision Diagnosis
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家