APRIL 2003

ACR backs MI initiative

Actions aim at raising awareness

By: Deborah R. Dakins

Spurred by the potential for molecular imaging to become a focal spot for radiology in the near future, the American College of Radiology is taking action to increase awareness of this emerging field.

The ACR Commission on Molecular Imaging, formed two years ago, has three specific projects in the works, all tied to the goal of disseminating information about molecular imaging to radiologists.

"Radiologists need to have a context for the new developments that are going to occur," said Dr. James Thrall, radiologist-in-chief at Massachusetts General Hospital and commission chair. "Our goal is to put these concepts into the hands of practitioners."

The awareness effort kicks off in May, with a categorical course on molecular imaging at the annual ACR meeting.

This summer, the commission will publish a molecular imaging primer for distribution to ACR members. The text will include examples of current applications, research on the horizon, and a terminology glossary.

The commission is also working on related regulatory issues, including ways to streamline the FDA approval process for molecular imaging agents, said Jonathan Sunshine, senior director for research at the ACR.

Another goal of the group is to develop a model molecular imaging curriculum for residencies. This work-in-progress will ultimately incorporate feedback from other groups involved in creating and approving radiology residency programs.

The commission includes representatives from community and private practice radiology as well as academics and research. It is loosely modeled on an ACR commission on MRI that was established nearly 20 years ago.

"Just as radiologists realized that MRI was a potentially important imaging technique, we see molecular imaging emerging as a major facet of radiology in the future," Sunshine said. "But it is one in which radiologists have not been too involved. It's our objective to help radiologists have an understanding of what's coming, rather than being surprised."