The ACR imaging network: a retrospective on 5 years of conducting multicenter trials in radiology and plans for the future.

The ACR Imaging Network (ACRIN) provides a complete infrastructure to conduct multicenter clinical trials of medical imaging technologies as they relate to cancer. During its first 5 years of National Cancer Institute funding, ACRIN initiated work on 18 trials, a number of which are closed, in analysis, with results approaching publication. During its next funding cycle, ACRIN intends to pursue a more strategic approach to its selection of trials, focusing on key clinical questions in which imaging can improve the care of cancer patients. ACRIN represents a critical resource for the specialty in which all interested parties can participate. The results of ACRIN trials will improve the appropriateness of the use of imaging and benefit both those with cancer and those who are concerned that they might have the disease.