Look into the Future
| Research Opportunity | Forecast | |
| Investigate new molecular imaging techniques; Facilitate greater access to these technologies and other short-lived molecular probes, e.g., positron emission tomography for measurement of DNA synthesis and tumor proliferation (F-18 thymidine, C-11 methionine), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (citrate/choline ratios) | Characterization of cells (normal and abnormal) and imaging gene expression and cellular events; for tumors, quantification of blood flow, including angiogenesis, biodistribution of chemotherapeutic agents, and identification of more specific chemotherapy and radiotherapy as well as associated responses to them | |
| Develop and expand access to micro-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and optical technologies for small-animal imaging facilities | Direct in vivo testing of molecular imaging techniques | |
| Develop and integrate image guidance for minimally invasive procedures | Direct delivery of therapy to diseases sites: e.g., combined magnetic resonance/ ultrasonography-guided prostate cancer treatments, magnetic resonance-guided vascular plaque visualization and treatment delivery, and direct visualization of delivery of treatment (e.g., focused ultrasonography for brain or prostate tumors) | |
| Develop technology to allow for multimodal image display and integration | Direct correlation of functional/molecular imaging data into a high spatial resolution image (e.g., computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) for radiation therapy planning, tumor ablation therapy, and assessment of therapeutic response | |
| Identify appropriate uses of new imaging modes and tumor markers for disease screening | Evaluation of imaging for screening for detection of lung and colon cancer as well as in assessment of risk of cardiac disease | |
| Expand and integrate bioinformatics and evidence-based imaging algorithms | Rational science-based use of imaging technologies | |
Authors: Clare M.C. Tempany, MD, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Barbara J. McNeil, MD, PhD, Departments of Radiology and Health Care Policy, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School