Quantitative multimodality imaging in cancer research and therapy
Thomas E Yankeelov1, Richard G Abramson1, C Chad Quarles1
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, AA-1105 Medical Center North, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232-2310, USA.
Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|August 13, 2014
Summary
Quantitative multimodality imaging advances cancer care by integrating multiple functional measurements for comprehensive tumor characterization. This approach offers insights to optimize patient treatment and is valuable in cancer therapeutics clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Clinical feasibility of quantitative multimodality imaging is now achievable due to hardware and software advancements.
- Previous cancer imaging focused on anatomical and functional integration (e.g., PET-CT, SPECT-CT).
- Recent progress involves combining multiple quantitative functional measurements (e.g., PET-MRI, multiple PET tracers) for deeper tumor insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the application and potential of quantitative multimodality imaging in cancer research and clinical practice.
- To highlight the comprehensive characterization of tumor phenotype enabled by integrating diverse quantitative data.
- To explore the utility of current multimodality imaging tools in cancer therapeutics clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Integration of anatomical and functional imaging data.
- Combining multiple quantitative functional measurements from various imaging modalities (PET, MRI).
- Utilizing advanced hardware and software for clinically feasible imaging.
Main Results:
- Multimodality imaging provides a more comprehensive characterization of tumor phenotype.
- Complementary quantitative data offers unique insights for optimizing individual patient care.
- Existing tools can be informatively applied in clinical trials for cancer therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Quantitative multimodality imaging is a powerful tool for understanding cancer pathophysiology.
- Further technical optimization and biological interpretation are needed but do not preclude current clinical applications.
- This approach holds significant promise for advancing cancer therapeutics and personalized medicine.
