Imaging of hepato-pancreato-biliary emergencies in patients with cancer

CT Imaging of the Pancreas: A Review of Current Developments and Applications

Pancreatic cancer continues to pose daily challenges to clinicians, radiologists, and researchers. These challenges are encountered at each stage of pancreatic cancer management, including early detection, definite characterization, accurate assessment of tumour burden, preoperative planning when surgical resection is possible, prediction of tumour aggressiveness, response to treatment, and detection of recurrence. CT imaging of the pancreas has made major advances in recent years through innovations in research and clinical practice. Technical advances in CT imaging, often in combination with imaging biomarkers, hold considerable promise in addressing such challenges. Ongoing research in dual-energy and spectral photon-counting computed tomography, new applications of artificial intelligence and image rendering have led to innovative implementations that allow now a more precise diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and other diseases affecting this organ. This article aims to explore the major research initiatives and technological advances that are shaping the landscape of CT imaging of the pancreas. By highlighting key contributions in diagnostic imaging, artificial intelligence, and image rendering, this article provides a comprehensive overview of how these innovations are enhancing diagnostic precision and improving outcome in patients with pancreatic diseases.

Bowel Emergencies in Patients With Cancer

Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. Bowel emergencies in patients with cancer are becoming increasingly more prevalent due to advances in cancer therapy and longer overall patient survival. When these patients present acutely, they are often frail and may have pre-existing co-morbidities. This article discusses the imaging features of bowel emergencies commonly encountered in oncological patients in clinical practice. These include chemotherapy related colitis, neutropenia enterocolitis and typhlitis, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, malignant bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. The radiologist plays a key role in identifying these oncological emergencies and guiding further management.

Interventional Oncology: 2024 Update

Interventional Oncology (IO) stands at the forefront of transformative cancer care, leveraging advanced imaging technologies and innovative interventions. This narrative review explores recent developments within IO, highlighting its potential impact facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), personalized medicine and imaging innovations. The integration of AI in IO holds promise for accelerating tumour detection and characterization, guiding treatment strategies and refining predictive models. Imaging modalities, including functional MRI, PET and cone beam CT are reshaping imaging and precision. Navigation, fusion imaging, augmented reality and robotics have the potential to revolutionize procedural guidance and offer unparalleled accuracy. New developments are observed in embolization and ablative therapies. The pivotal role of genomics in treatment planning, targeted therapies and biomarkers for treatment response prediction underscore the personalization of IO. Quality of life assessment, minimizing side effects and long-term survivorship care emphasize patient-centred outcomes after IO treatment. The evolving landscape of IO training programs, simulation technologies and workforce competence ensures the field's adaptability. Despite barriers to adoption, synergy between interventional radiologists' proficiency and technological advancements hold promise in cancer care.