Advances in Radiological Imaging for Thoracic Oncology: A 20-Year Perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Lung cancer is a leading cause of global cancer mortality, necessitating advanced diagnostic tools.
• Thoracic imaging has evolved significantly, moving beyond anatomical assessment to incorporate functional and quantitative data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in thoracic imaging modalities for lung cancer.
• To highlight the integration of functional imaging, artificial intelligence, and theranostic platforms in precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent developments in Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography/CT (PET/CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
• Discussion of emerging techniques like radiomics, radiogenomics, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
• Exploration of hybrid imaging modalities and theranostic platforms.

Main Results:

• CT advancements offer improved resolution, reduced dose, and functional insights (e.g., iodine mapping).
• PET/CT is crucial for staging and response assessment, with novel tracers expanding utility.
• MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and functional assessment (e.g., diffusion-weighted imaging).
• AI and radiomics show promise in accelerating detection, risk stratification, and predicting treatment response.
• Hybrid imaging and theranostics enable personalized diagnosis and therapy.

Conclusions:

• Imaging innovations are central to precision medicine in thoracic oncology.
• Standardization and validation are crucial for clinical translation.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for integrating these advances into practice.