Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses overcoming challenges with imaging in endometrial cancer.

Preoperative imaging is an important part of the primary diagnostic work-up of endometrial cancer, as it guides the choice of surgical procedure and adjuvant therapy. Although many novel biomarkers are derived from imaging, it is not yet fully understood how they can be used to guide treatment.

With the dramatic advancements in the development of novel functional imaging techniques in recent years, the amount of data that are generated is enormous. These data have to be analyzed by computer scientists using machine-learning algorithms in collaboration with oncologists and radiologists if these issues are going to solved, Haldorsen explains

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Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, on overcoming challenges with imaging in endometrial cancer.
 

Dr. Haldorsen on Overcoming Challenges With Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses the contributions of imaging in endometrial cancer.

Haldorsen says that she hopes these advances in imaging give more certainty to the surgeon regarding the stage and prognosis prior to surgery. Additionally, these advances may be able to provide more prognostic tools with which to guide adjuvant therapy after primary surgery.

Investigators are currently exploring the efficacy of various imaging technologies in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer such as PET/MRI and 3D ultrasounds. Specifically, there is a diagnostic study evaluating the accuracy of 3D ultrasounds in comparison with MRI and final histology to detect myometrial invasion of endometrial cancer (NCT03207061).

Ultimately, imaging is very important when it comes to detecting recurrent disease, Haldorsen says. Every patient should have access to imaging facilities in order to get optimal treatment, and the implications of imaging should be kept in mind by the clinician, concludes Haldorsen.

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses the contributions of imaging in endometrial cancer.
 

Dr. Haldorsen on the Contributions of Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses the importance of imaging in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Imaging in the primary diagnostic workup is extremely important in endometrial cancer, says Haldorsen. In addition to guiding the choice of surgical procedure or adjuvant therapy, it can provide knowledge of the tumor extent, as well as the aggressive features of the tumor, preoperatively or pre-therapeutically. This knowledge may aid in defining the intensity of treatment, Haldorsen adds.

For patients who may not need as aggressive of treatment, this is vital, as overtreatment often comes with added toxicities. In the era of precision medicine, utilizing tools, such as imaging can greatly assist in the individualization of treatment for patients with endometrial cancer.

Dr. Haldorsen on the Importance of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses the challenges with imaging in endometrial cancer.

Many novel biomarkers are derived from imaging, says Haldorsen, but it is not yet fully understood how they can be used to guide treatment.

Dr. Haldorsen Discusses the Challenges With Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD, University of Bergen, Haukeland University Hospital, discusses the role of imaging in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer.

Preoperative imaging is an important part of the primary diagnostic work-up. It guides the choice of surgical procedure, and adjuvant therapy, says Haldorsen.

In recent years, there has been a dramatic advancement in the development of novel functional imaging techniques that enables depiction of microstructural and microvascular features of the tissue, Haldorsen adds.

Ingfrid Haldorsen, MD

Articles

Dr. Haldorsen on Overcoming Challenges With Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Haldorsen on the Contributions of Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Haldorsen on the Importance of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Haldorsen Discusses the Challenges With Imaging in Endometrial Cancer

Dr. Haldorsen on the Role of Imaging in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer