Role of MRI in evaluating patients with lobular breast cancer - Research • Breast Cancer Foundation NZ

Role of MRI in evaluating patients with lobular breast cancer

Dr Henry Kwok - Middlemore
Dr Henry Kwok - Middlemore
February 2015
Research Grant

What is the problem and who is affected?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a routine, albeit expensive, test used in lobular breast cancer. Unfortunately, the high cost means that some DHBs struggle to meet the MRI demand. Some doctors also suspect that it may not make a difference to patient outcomes in lobular breast cancer.

What is this research hoping to achieve?

Dr Kwok and his team will evaluate the efficacy of MRI as a diagnostic tool for patients with lobular breast cancer. The study will compare the accuracy of MRI against other cancer staging tests. They will also evaluate the impact of use of MRI on long term outcomes for patients.