Oncology protocols: how can we do better?

Diagnostic imaging provides information that is critical to the clinical care of pediatric oncology patients. Such information is also vital for assessing the effects of treatment on specific tumors during clinical trials. The design of such trials mandates standardization of imaging techniques, tumor measurements, data analysis, consistency of data collection and image interpretation in order to make scientific decisions about treatment regimens. In addition to these considerations, the optimal imaging modality to answer the scientific questions and simultaneously provide excellent patient care must be determined while minimizing patient exposure to ionizing radiation. This presentation will discuss these factors and potential means of improving upon inconsistencies, and consider factors that might influence the future.