Incorporating prognostic imaging biomarkers into clinical practice
W Phillip Law1, Kenneth A Miles
1Department of Medical Imaging, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Southern Clinical School, Brisbane, Australia.
Summary
Prognostic imaging biomarkers, objectively measurable characteristics, predict cancer outcomes in untreated individuals. An evaluation framework is proposed to integrate these biomarkers into clinical practice for personalized cancer care and rational treatment use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Prognostic imaging biomarkers are objectively measurable imaging characteristics that predict cancer outcomes in untreated individuals.
- These differ from predictive biomarkers and markers of response to treatment.
- Various imaging modalities can measure tumor characteristics with potential prognostic value, but none are in routine clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging prognostic imaging biomarkers.
- To propose an evaluation framework for demonstrating clinical efficacy.
- To support the integration of prognostic imaging biomarkers into routine clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on prognostic imaging biomarkers.
- Proposal of a framework for evaluating biomarker efficacy.
- Discussion of key examples of emerging biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Several imaging modalities can assess tumor characteristics with prognostic potential.
- An evaluation framework is proposed to facilitate clinical adoption.
- Prognostic imaging biomarkers can aid in individualized cancer care.
Conclusions:
- Prognostic imaging biomarkers offer potential for personalized cancer care.
- Validated biomarkers can lead to more rational use of expensive cancer treatments.
- Established evaluation frameworks are crucial for biomarker implementation.