The Introduction of Quantitative Data to Image Interpretation

The advent of new standards regarding medical imaging scans has led to a shift in the way the industry operates. A number of organizations have begun working on processes that will help leverage quantitative imaging data in radiology to provide more evidence-based treatment strategies.

As reported by Health Imaging, one such agency is the National Cancer Institute, whose Cancer Imaging Program has begun working to develop advanced ways to interpret images from a quantitative approach. For example, using diagnostic radiology to scan lungs for signs of cancerous tumors. The heat signature of malignant growths are greater than other abnormalities, leading physicians to determine the possibility of cancer based on “hot” or “cold” scans. However, certain determining factors can make this medical imaging tool ineffective at detecting cancer.

“But the issue may be, if those two PET images were taken on different instruments…or the technologist didn’t perform the scan at the same time with the same settings, the physician may be wrong about the patient’s response if the difference [in FDG uptake] is not large,” said Paula Jacobs, Ph.D., associate director of the NCI’s Cancer Imaging Program, quoted by the news source.

Looking for regulations
In order to remove these factors, which can impact a radiologist’s interpretation of digital imaging, Jacobs and other members of the NCI started the Quantitative Imaging Network. It serves as a collection of research teams who are tasked with improving the quantitative methods for measuring tumor response to therapies between disparate clinical trial environments. As a long-term project, it has the goal of including quantitative imaging practices in medical decision making.

In addition to helping radiologists with interpretations, these new methods can also facilitate the Meaningful Use of electronic medical records as stipulated by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Physicians would be able to include more comprehensive imaging results in patient records using EMR software, as well as properly identify and report cancer cases – both of which are menu objectives of stage 2 Meaningful Use.

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