Are you heading to RSNA this December? We’re thrilled to join the radiology community for this landmark event! As we prepare for the conference, we’re sharing a series of patient case studies that highlight the life-changing potential of proactive healthcare and advanced whole-body MRI (WB-MRI).
Our latest case features a 72-year-old male who opted for a WB-MRI screening as part of a renewed commitment to his health before embarking on a six-month work trip abroad.?The scan revealed multiple liver metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma, with regional lymph node involvement but no disease beyond the liver—a finding linked to a better prognosis and treatment options. The patient was referred for an expedited oncology consultation, enabling timely evaluation and potential life-prolonging interventions, including surgical resection.
- A 72-year-old male, who had previously not participated in standard preventive healthcare and screenings, sought a whole body MRI (WB-MRI) screening as part of a renewed focus on his health.? The scan was scheduled prior to a planned six-month work trip abroad to ensure there were no immediate health concerns that required attention.
- His scan showed multiple liver metastases (sites showing spread of cancer) from an adenocarcinoma of the colon (primary/original cancer site) with regional spread to the lymph nodes that drain towards the liver.?
- No disease was detected beyond the liver, a finding associated with improved prognosis and available treatment potential in metastatic colorectal cancer.
- The patient was given an expedited oncology consult recommendation for further evaluation and management of disease, which offers a chance at improved survival (based on current best practices) for life-prolonging strategies that include surgical resection (removal of cancerous tissue).?
How the WB-MRI Impacted Patient Care
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide; approximately 25-50% of these patients develop cancer in the liver. Screening colonoscopy is the gold-standard for earliest possible colon cancer detection, as well as prevention by removal of precancerous polyps. In this case, for a patient who had previously not adhered to standard preventive health screening recommendations, WB-MRI played a pivotal role in this patient's care by uncovering potentially treatable colorectal cancer with liver metastases, at advanced stage but one still potentially amenable to life-prolonging treatment options.
- Early Detection Beyond Symptoms: Unlike colonoscopy, which focuses solely on detecting cancer within the colon, the opportunistic detection of the still asymptomatic colon cancer by the WB-MRI enabled simultaneous identification of distant metastases and triaging of the next most important steps in clinical management towards a potentially improved prognosis prior to further progression of disease.
- Prognostic Clarity: By identifying metastatic disease confined to the liver and regional lymph nodes, the scan provided critical prognostic information, emphasizing the potential for successful intervention with specialized advanced care.
- Improved Treatment Timeline: Pre-symptomatic identification facilitated timely transition to oncologic care, enabling discussions around cutting-edge treatment options.
We’re inspired daily by stories like this from our patients and radiology team. Stay tuned—more compelling cases are on the way!
Attending RSNA? Swing by booth #1239 to connect with us. We can’t wait to see you there!
Martin J, Petrillo A, Smyth EC, et al. Colorectal liver metastases: current management and future perspectives. World J Clin Oncol. 2020;11(10):761-808. doi:10.5306/wjco.v11.i10.761.
