Advancing Oncology Imaging Research

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 10 Mar 2011 - 1:00 PDT


The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), and the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM) are pleased to announce a collaboration to advance research for cancer imaging and therapies. Specifically, NCCN will work with SNM to qualify imaging sites for upcoming research projects utilizing molecular imaging in clinical trials.

NCCN, through its Oncology Research Program (ORP), obtains funding to support scientifically meritorious clinical trials at the 21 NCCN Member Institutions. These studies evaluate innovative combinations and sequencing regimens of drugs, mechanisms of action of specific agents, or drug resistance or are directed toward exploring extended uses for specific agents.

As a new initiative of the ORP, the NCCN Specialized Imaging Research Consortium™ (SIRC) aims to advance the treatment of patients with cancer through the clinical application of specialized imaging technologies. This is achieved by performing high-quality clinical trials of emerging therapeutics integrated with evidence-based research to guide the use of advanced imaging in clinical cancer care.

To help facilitate the SIRC clinical trials, SNM's Clinical Trials Network will qualify NCCN Member Institutions to ensure standardization across sites. The qualification process includes scanner validation as well as a review of site personnel, research experience, and infrastructure information. Education and training on specific clinical research, clinical trials methodology, and imaging topics will also be provided.

"We know that historically it has been difficult to use molecular imaging agents in multicenter clinical trials due to a number of factors, including lack of qualified imaging sites and a lack of standardization, among others." said Dominique Delbeke, MD, SNM president. "SNM's Clinical Trials Network helps to make this process easier, ensuring high-quality imaging and promoting fast, more cost-effective drug development."

"As personalized medicine continues to emerge rapidly as a major force in health care, the research questions answered by studies conducted through the SIRC will be invaluable to patients," said Diane Paul, MS, RN, vice president of the NCCN Oncology Research Program. "We are pleased to collaborate with SNM as we embrace our mission to improve the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer."

Source:
Susan Martonik
Society of Nuclear Medicine

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