Imaging and cancer: a review

Abstract

Multiple biomedical imaging techniques are used in all phases of cancer management. Imaging forms an essential part of cancer clinical protocols and is able to furnish morphological, structural, metabolic and functional information. Integration with other diagnostic tools such as in vitro tissue and fluids analysis assists in clinical decision-making. Hybrid imaging techniques are able to supply complementary information for improved staging and therapy planning. Image guided and targeted minimally invasive therapy has the promise to improve outcome and reduce collateral effects. Early detection of cancer through screening based on imaging is probably the major contributor to a reduction in mortality for certain cancers. Targeted imaging of receptors, gene therapy expression and cancer stem cells are research activities that will translate into clinical use in the next decade. Technological developments will increase imaging speed to match that of physiological processes. Targeted imaging and therapeutic agents will be developed in tandem through close collaboration between academia and biotechnology, information technology and pharmaceutical industries.

Figure 1

Current role of imaging in cancer management.

Figure 2

Future role of imaging in cancer management.

Figure 3

Imaging in the drug discovery process.

Figure 4

Frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation imaging technologies.

Figure 5

Relative sensitivity of imaging technologies.

Figure 6

Biomarker imaging.

Figure 7

Advanced lung analysis lesion sizing from 3D CT.

Figure 8

Pre‐ and post‐anti‐angiogenic therapy CT perfusion maps (study courtesy of D. Buthiau, O. Rixe, J. Bloch, J.B. Méric, J.P. Spano, D. Nizri, M. Gatineau, D. Khayat).

Figure 9

MR contrast uptake intensity/time curves in the breast (courtesy of Duke University).

Figure 10

DWI image of metastatic spread (courtesy of the Military Hospital of Laveran, France).

Figure 11

MRI anatomic image and proton spectroscopy of a breast lesion.

Figure 12

Pre‐ and post‐contrast images of a single breast cancer lesion treated by MRgFUS (images courtesy of Breastopia Namba Medical Center, Miyazaki, Japan and InSightec, Haifa, Israel).

Figure 13

Examples of PET tracers in oncology where endogenous substances are framed (courtesy of Imanet Uppsala).

Figure 14

US covered PET indications in oncology.