Next generation radiologic-pathologic correlation in oncology: Rad-Path 2.0

The bedrock of radiology has been radiologic-pathologic (Rad-Path) correlation: the correlation of imaging to ex vivo gross and histopathologic findings of disease. This classical view is being challenged by our increasing understanding of the molecular basis of disease, particularly in oncology. The traditional lines in diagnostic sciences have blurred with the development of new in vitro diagnostic molecular assays and molecular imaging methods as well as the growing evidence that conventional diagnostic imaging has potential use in understanding genomic properties of disease. The purpose of this article is to make the case for a fundamental shift to the next generation of Rad-Path correlation (Rad-Path 2.0).

The future success of radiology will require not only continued technologic advances in physical and life sciences but also the convergence of previously distinct diagnostic disciplines.