A new study shows that combining MRI with PET/CT can stage esophageal cancer (EC) as accurately as the current standard methods while being less invasive and reducing radiation exposure.
Currently, staging relies on contrast-enhanced CT, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and PET/CT, which require radiation, anesthesia, and may be limited if the tumor obstructs the esophagus. In a prospective study of 60 patients, researchers compared the standard approach with MRI + PET/CT.
The MRI-based method performed equally well in guiding curative versus palliative treatment, detected distant metastases—especially small liver lesions—more effectively than CT, and matched CT/EUS for tumor and lymph node assessment. Radiologists showed high agreement interpreting MRI scans.
By replacing CT and EUS with MRI, patients avoid radiation, anesthesia, and blockage-related limitations. Researchers conclude that MRI + PET/CT offers a highly accurate, non-invasive, and safer alternative for initial esophageal cancer staging.