Multiple centres have studied the role of whole-body MRI as a surveillance strategy. A meta-analysis of 13 observational cohorts included 578 participants with germline TP53 mutations. In baseline surveillance imaging, a total of 42 new cancers were diagnosed in 39 individuals (6.7 percent of the study population). Of these, 35 were localized and treated with curative intent.
False-positive findings on whole-body MRI that required further evaluation (additional imaging or biopsy) were found in 173 people (29.9 percent of the cohort). The value of baseline whole-body MRI needs to be balanced against the high frequency of false-positive results. The long-term impact on outcome due to early diagnosis, and the optimal frequency of repeat scanning will require a longitudinal study. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has defined guidelines that are useful in attempting to…
