Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile imaging modality that can be a powerful tool for developing and improving drug delivery strategies. High field ([greater than or equal to]7T), small bore MR systems are increasingly available for preclinical research, and high field human systems are becoming available as well, thus promising easier translation of high field MR techniques to human medicine. The increased signal to noise at high field can be allocated to improving spatial resolution, which allows for earlier detection of both primary and metastatic neoplasias. Moreover, resolving smaller lesions also permits us to more fully characterize the development process of disease, such as the progression of permeability of metastatic brain lesions, which is an important consideration when choosing an appropriate therapeutic course. In addition to the general benefit of higher signal to noise at higher field, some methods, such as MR thermometry (via the proton resonance frequency shift), and more generally, any imaging method that attempts to resolve differences in resonance frequency/chemical shift, also benefit from the increased spectral separation, in absolute terms, at higher field strengths. Here, we examine MRI methods for improving drug delivery strategies including using real time MR thermometry in a closed loop with an MR compatible focused ultrasound system to provide a consistent acoustic dose in vivo. Further, we examine the use of paramagnetic micelles as a way to track the disposition of these small drug delivery vehicles, comparing peptide targeted to untargeted versions. We then extend our examination to the detection and characterization of small brain metastases followed by the imaging the vascular volume both for registration with PET images and estimation of the arterial input function as a step in pharmacokinetic modeling of vascular permeability. Finally, we examine displacement imaging techniques and successfully program and implement displacement imaging sequences for two purposes: adaptive focusing of an ultrasound beam without heating, and obtaining the shear modulus for evaluating tissue stiffness.