Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography
05:28

Clinical Imaging of Microwave Mammography

Published on: November 14, 2025

Opportunities and pitfalls of cancer imaging in clinical trials

Bruno Morgan1

  • 1Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Square, Leicester, UK. bm11@le.ac.uk

Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|April 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Medical imaging biomarkers are crucial for modern cancer clinical trials, offering whole-tumor assessment. This review discusses the strengths and limitations of imaging modalities like MRI, CT, PET, and ultrasonography in cancer research.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Clinical Trial Design

Background:

  • Cancer treatment has shifted towards targeted biological therapies over the past two decades.
  • Biomarkers, including medical imaging, are increasingly integrated into clinical trials to assess treatment efficacy.
  • Imaging biomarkers offer advantages over traditional methods by evaluating entire tumors and allowing longitudinal assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the strengths and limitations of current medical imaging modalities used in cancer clinical trials.
  • To discuss the information gained and challenges associated with data acquisition and interpretation for each imaging method.
  • To aid researchers in planning imaging protocols and interpreting data within clinical trial frameworks.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current medical imaging techniques employed in clinical cancer trials.
  • Analysis of strengths and limitations of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Ultrasonography.
  • Discussion of practical considerations including cost, usability, patient factors, data analysis, and interpretation.

Main Results:

  • Each imaging modality (MRI, CT, PET, ultrasonography) presents unique benefits and drawbacks for cancer clinical trials.
  • Challenges exist in data acquisition and interpretation across different imaging techniques, impacting trial design and results.
  • Imaging biomarkers provide valuable insights into treatment mechanisms and efficacy at molecular and physiological levels.

Conclusions:

  • Medical imaging plays a vital role in contemporary cancer clinical trials, enabling comprehensive assessment of treatment response.
  • Understanding the specific strengths, limitations, and practicalities of each imaging modality is essential for successful trial implementation.
  • Careful planning and interpretation of imaging data are critical for advancing cancer research and improving patient outcomes.

More Related Videos

Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) for Cancer Therapy Monitoring08:45

Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging (CLI) for Cancer Therapy Monitoring

Published on: November 13, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Clinical Trials01:16

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are prospective experimental studies conducted on humans to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, diet methods, and medical devices. Using statistics in clinical trials enables researchers to derive reasonable and accurate conclusions from the collected data, allowing them to make wise decisions in uncertain situations. In medical research, statistical methods are crucial for preventing errors and bias.
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
Clinical Trials: Overview01:11

Clinical Trials: Overview

Clinical development focuses on how the drug will interact with the human body and encompasses four key phases of clinical trials, each serving a specific purpose in assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. These phases overlap and build upon one another. Phase I involves a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-80 individuals) or, in cases where significant toxicity is expected, patients with the targeted disease, such as cancer or AIDS. The volunteers are tested for...
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI01:14

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...