Multiparametric MRI and image-guided neurointerventions provide critical roles in brain tumor management and surveillanceAdvanced Imaging and Interventions Improve Brain Tumor Management

Frontiers in Medicine Published September 8, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

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Key Takeaway

Note the expanding role of multiparametric imaging and guided neurointerventions in brain tumor detection and planning.

This narrative review synthesizes the roles of advanced diagnostic imaging and image-guided neurointerventions in the management of various brain tumors, including glioblastoma, low-grade glioma, metastases, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and meningioma. The scope covers multiparametric MRI, perfusion imaging, diffusion techniques, spectroscopy, and molecular imaging as primary diagnostic tools.

The review highlights that diagnostic radiology plays a central role in tumor detection, character-ization, treatment planning, and surveillance. Furthermore, it identifies that image-guided procedures, such as embolization, laser interstitial thermal therapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, convection-enhanced delivery, and blood-brain barrier modulation, are expanding minimally invasive options for selected patients.

The authors distinguish established clinical tools from investigational approaches based on evidence levels and patient-selection considerations. A noted limitation is the need for prospective evaluation of coordinated multidisciplinary workflows between diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and neurosurgical teams. The review suggests that while these tools are clinically relevant, their integration into routine workflows requires further validation.

How this fits prior evidence

This narrative review addresses a gap in the management of complex brain tumors by highlighting the integration of diagnostic and interventional radiology. It complements the use of multimodal machine learning for decision making and the use of advanced imaging (MRI, MRS) for glioblastoma with transdural extension. While previous findings focused on specific treatments like bevacizumab plus lomustine or Zika virus oncolytic therapy, this review focuses on the diagnostic and interventional infrastructure supporting such treatments.

This review looks at how advanced imaging and guided procedures help manage brain tumors, including glioblastoma and meningioma. Doctors use tools like multiparametric MRI, perfusion imaging, and spectroscopy to better see the tumor. These methods help with finding the tumor, understanding its characteristics, and planning the best treatment path.

In addition to imaging, the review highlights image-guided neurointerventions. These include techniques like laser thermal therapy and specialized drug delivery. These methods aim to provide minimally invasive options for certain patients. These procedures are becoming more common as they combine the skills of radiologists and neurosurgeons.

Because these techniques are complex, they require a coordinated team of specialists. While these tools offer more ways to treat tumors, some methods are still being studied to see how they work best in everyday practice. Patients should talk to their medical team to see which specific technologies are appropriate for their unique situation.

What this means for you:

Advanced imaging and guided procedures offer more ways to detect and treat various types of brain tumors.

Common questions

What types of brain tumors are these techniques used for?

These techniques are used for several types of brain tumors, including glioblastoma, low-grade glioma, metastases, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and meningioma. The methods help doctors detect the tumor and plan the best way to treat it.

How does advanced imaging help in treating brain tumors?

Advanced imaging, such as multiparametric MRI, perfusion imaging, and spectroscopy, plays a central role. These tools help doctors find the tumor, understand its characteristics, and plan treatments. They also help with ongoing surveillance of the tumor over time.

What are some of the minimally invasive options for brain tumors?

There are several image-guided neurointerventions, such as laser interstitial thermal therapy, embolization, and convection-enhanced delivery. These options are expanding the ways doctors can treat specific patients using minimally invasive techniques.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedSep 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Brain tumors are heterogeneous neoplasms requiring multidisciplinary management and precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Diagnostic radiology plays a central role in tumor detection, characterization, treatment planning, and surveillance through advanced imaging modalities such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, perfusion imaging, diffusion techniques, spectroscopy, and molecular imaging. Concurrently, image-guided procedures performed across endovascular neurointerventional and neurosurgical workflows, including embolization, laser interstitial thermal therapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, convection-enhanced delivery, and blood-brain barrier modulation, are expanding minimally invasive options in selected patients. This review synthesizes current and emerging diagnostic radiology and image-guided approaches across major brain tumor types, including glioblastoma, low-grade glioma, metastases, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and meningioma. Furthermore, this review highlights the growing overlap among diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and neurosurgical workflows, emphasizes the increasingly central role of imaging in guiding therapy, and identifies the need in which coordinated multidisciplinary workflows should be prospectively evaluated as diagnostic and therapeutic technologies continue to converge. Lastly, this review distinguishes established clinical tools from selectively used and investigational approaches by summarizing evidence level, patient-selection considerations, and barriers to routine implementation.

Multiparametric MRI and image-guided neurointerventions provide critical roles in brain tumor management and surveillanceAdvanced Imaging and Interventions Improve Brain Tumor Management

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

Study Details

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Multiparametric MRI and image-guided neurointerventions provide critical roles in brain tumor management and surveillanceAdvanced Imaging and Interventions Improve Brain Tumor Management

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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