Journal of Medical Diagnostic Methods
Open Access

Greater Role for Radiology

Sujata Agarwal^{* *}Correspondence: Sujata Agarwal, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Email:

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Editorial

Role of radiology in oncology

Interventional oncology is an increasingly emerging subspecialty of radiology that is powered by technology. Over the past few years, many notable clinical advances have given patients hope in the battle against cancer, especially where traditional treatment has failed or is considered inadequate [1,2]. Functional imaging has now emerged as an important weapon in the battle against cancer within the field of diagnostic radiology, considering its ability to anticipate tumor response faster than anatomical imaging, as well as diagnose early recurrence [3].

Role of the radiologist

Radiologists have generally played a passive function when it comes to health treatment [4-6]. When ordered by the clinician, the radiologist records the imaging analysis or executes an interventional treatment. The radiologist concerned is also not aware of a detailed view of the clinical condition prior to the radiological investigation or involvement [7].

With more proactive treatment of more challenging clinical situations, fueled by the advent of highly advanced imaging and therapeutic technology, radiologists are now playing a more involved role in patient management, acting in more cases as equal partners [8]. As a result of direct radiologist-to-patient interaction, novel imaging modalities and treatment approaches will be made available to patients directly through the radiologist, sometimes almost as soon as they arrive on the market.

Cone beam CT scan

Imaging technology in the interventional suite is another promising area of growth. New imaging machines can help administer therapeutic agents more reliably. Chemotherapeutic medications are administered directly to the arteries providing blood to the tumor during regional chemotherapy [9]. Theoretically, a higher dosage of a drug administered to the tumor results in an improved cytotoxic effect. This has been shown in pancreatic cancer, where there has been proof of dose-dependent tumor sensitivity [10]. The appearance of 'tumor blush' or pathological neovascularity in standard angiography historically defines tumor vascularity. This can be difficult with a typical DSA, particularly when superselective cannulation is necessary or when the vascular anatomy is complicated.

References

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