Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 8, 2025
Standardized Histomorphometric Evaluation of Osteoarthritis in a Surgical Mouse Model
Published on: May 6, 2020
Imaging of OA - From disease modification to clinical utility
Daichi Hayashi1, Frank W Roemer2, Felix Eckstein3
1Department of Radiology, Stony Brook Medicine, State University of New York, United States; Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, United States.
Abstract:
Multiple disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) trials were done in the last two decades, but no pharmacological agent has yet been approved by regulatory agencies as an effective therapy to date. Given the fact that we have seen the recent discontinuation of several late-stage drug development trials, a careful strategy is needed in formulating a plan for a successful DMOAD trial - including the various roles of imaging. This narrative review article will summarize how imaging is utilized in osteoarthritis from the perspective of disease modification to clinical utility. We will describe how semi-quantitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging approaches have been deployed in DMOAD trials. We will then review the utility of musculoskeletal ultrasound in research and clinical settings. Finally, novel hybrid positron emission tomography/MRI techniques and current research using artificial intelligence will be discussed, focusing on original research. Older publications are included for the discussion of the previous DMOAD trials and other relevant topics where deemed appropriate.
Insights
Developing effective disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) requires strategic trial planning, with imaging playing a crucial role. This review explores imaging
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Numerous disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) trials over two decades have failed to yield regulatory approval.
- Recent late-stage trial discontinuations highlight the need for improved DMOAD trial strategies.
- Imaging plays a pivotal role in assessing disease modification and clinical utility in osteoarthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utilization of various imaging modalities in disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) trials.
- To discuss the application of semi-quantitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in DMOAD research.
- To explore the potential of novel imaging techniques like positron emission tomography/MRI and artificial intelligence in osteoarthritis drug development.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature on imaging in osteoarthritis and DMOAD trials.
- Discussion of semi-quantitative and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.
- Review of musculoskeletal ultrasound utility in research and clinical settings.
- Exploration of hybrid positron emission tomography/MRI and artificial intelligence applications.
Main Results:
- Imaging is essential for evaluating disease modification and clinical outcomes in osteoarthritis drug trials.
- Semi-quantitative and quantitative MRI have been employed to assess structural changes in DMOAD trials.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound offers valuable insights for both research and clinical practice.
- Emerging technologies like PET/MRI and AI show promise for future osteoarthritis research.
Conclusions:
- Strategic integration of advanced imaging techniques is critical for successful disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) trial design.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and novel hybrid imaging modalities offer diverse applications in osteoarthritis research.
- Artificial intelligence holds significant potential for enhancing osteoarthritis assessment and drug development.
