From the Guidelines
A full body MRI scan is recommended for individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes as it can detect early signs of cancer and other conditions, potentially improving treatment outcomes and quality of life. According to the Oncologically Relevant Findings Reporting and Data System (ONCO-RADS) guidelines published in 2021 1, whole-body MRI for cancer screening is recommended by international guidelines for cancer predisposition syndromes. The guidelines suggest that standardized acquisition protocols and structured reporting will support clinical deployment, training, and research in whole-body MRI for cancer screening.
The benefits of a full body MRI scan include:
- Detection of early signs of cancer and other conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal problems
- Detailed images of internal organs, tissues, and structures without using radiation, making it safer than CT scans for comprehensive evaluations
- Potential for earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes
- Valuable for people with family histories of certain diseases, those with specific risk factors, or individuals seeking comprehensive health assessments
However, it's also important to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks of full body MRI scans, including:
- Incidental findings that require additional testing but turn out to be benign (false positives), potentially causing unnecessary anxiety and follow-up procedures
- Expensive, typically $1,500-$3,000, and rarely covered by insurance for screening purposes
- Contraindicated for people with certain implanted medical devices or claustrophobia
As noted in the ONCO-RADS guidelines 1, there is emerging interest in using whole-body MRI for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals in the general population, but more research is needed to determine the benefits and potential harms of this application. A review of 122 studies that included more than 60,000 asymptomatic individuals reported an average rate of histologically verified cancers of 1.1% 1, highlighting the potential for whole-body MRI to detect cancer in asymptomatic individuals. However, the lack of randomized trials with long-term follow-up and the potential for unnecessary additional imaging, biopsies, and anxiety underscore the need for caution and further research in this area.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Benefits of a Full Body MRI Scan
- A full body MRI scan can be effective for anatomical and functional imaging of diseased soft tissues, including solid tumors 2
- MRI contrast agents, such as gadolinium-based agents, can be used to detect tumors at an early stage and have been shown to be safe when used responsibly 3
- MRI can provide detailed images of internal structures, including the heart, major vessels, mediastinum, and hilar structures, making it a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions 4
- Late gadolinium enhancement MRI can quantify the burden of myocardial fibrosis, a common pathophysiological end point of most cardiomyopathy states, and has been shown to be a robust marker of cardiovascular events 5
- Combining MRI with computed tomography angiography can improve the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease, with high accuracy and sensitivity for detecting stenosis and plaque 6
Key Applications
- Cancer imaging and detection 2, 3
- Cardiomyopathy diagnosis and monitoring 5
- Coronary heart disease diagnosis 6
- Soft tissue imaging and diagnosis 2, 4