Diagnostische Radiologie

Abstract

BackgroundNovel scientific developments in oncologic imaging lead to constant changes and innovations that also have important implications for clinical routine.ObjectivesThe aim of this article is to highlight recent developments in oncological imaging and to discuss their importance for oncologists, radiologists and cancer patients.Materials and methodsThe work is based on the authors’ selection of relevant scientific developments, case examples, and a selective literature review focusing on clinical implications in the interdisciplinary setting of oncology.ResultsFor years, the development and use of artificial neural networks has been one of the most dynamic scientific fields in radiology, with oncologic imaging playing an important role. Albeit promising results in scientific studies for many use cases and an increasing number of approved software solutions, important challenges and hurdles for broad clinical validation and implementation have emerged. Building multi-institutional networks and large-scale databases (e.g., through the Joint Imaging Platform of the German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research) and the increasing use of structured reporting with generation of machine-readable data input are important ways to address some of these challenges. Other important scientific developments in oncologic imaging are modality-specific; in this regard, this article focuses on modern dual-energy computed tomography and outlines the prospects of the recently introduced photon-counting CT.ConclusionOncologic imaging is undergoing dynamic developments, driven by shifting interdisciplinary demands as well as advances in various scientific fields, most notably medical technology and applications of artificial intelligence.