Empowering PET imaging reporting with retrieval-augmented large language models and reading reports database: a pilot single center study

Large Language Models in Cancer Imaging: Applications and Future Perspectives

Recently, there has been tremendous interest on the use of large language models (LLMs) in radiology. LLMs have been employed for various applications in cancer imaging, including improving reporting speed and accuracy via generation of standardized reports, automating the classification and staging of abnormal findings in reports, incorporating appropriate guidelines, and calculating individualized risk scores. Another use of LLMs is their ability to improve patient comprehension of imaging reports with simplification of the medical terms and possible translations to multiple languages. Additional future applications of LLMs include multidisciplinary tumor board standardizations, aiding patient management, and preventing and predicting adverse events (contrast allergies, MRI contraindications) and cancer imaging research. However, limitations such as hallucinations and variable performances could present obstacles to widespread clinical implementation. Herein, we present a review of the current and future applications of LLMs in cancer imaging, as well as pitfalls and limitations.