| Summary: | Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) is a fast unenhanced technique that
shows promise as a stand-alone modality for cancer screening and characterization. Currently,
DW MRI may have lower sensitivity than that of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI as a standalone
modality for breast cancer detection but superior to that of mammography, which may
provide a useful alternative for supplemental screening. Standardized acquisition and interpretation
of DW MRI can improve the image quality and reduce the variability of the results. Furthermore,
high-resolution DW MRI, with advanced techniques and postprocessing, will facilitate
better detection and characterization of subcentimeter cancers and reduce false-negatives
and false-positives. Future results from ongoing prospective multicenter clinical trials using
standardized and optimized protocols will facilitate the use of DW MRI as a stand-alone modality.
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