"The ability to improve radiation targeting has the potential to be enhanced by multiparametric MRI to further characterize tumor and tissue properties," said Chung. "However, the standardization and quantitative approaches are critical to clinically implementing such techniques."

She adds that the technique may help in maximizing tumor control and minimizing toxicity by improving imaging capabilities.


David Pacitti, president and head of the Americas at Siemens Healthineers, said in a statement that the alliance allows the company "to continue building upon those efforts to enable providers globally to utilize MR safely and effectively for patients with cancer."

While anticipated to be a game-changer, quantitative MR requires rigorous quality control to reach its full potential, according to a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The organization found variations in quantitative MR scanner measurements, which it says could be significant for distinguishing a benign from a malignant brain tumor. It recommends quality control procedures for quantitative MR to promote confidence and stability in measurement techniques, and to transfer measurement thresholds for diagnosis, disease progression, and treatment monitoring from research venues to the entire clinical community.

MD Anderson’s radiation oncologists and diagnostic imaging experts will work with the School of Health Professions and the Teaching Interprofessional and Simulation (TIPS) Education Center to develop course materials, alongside Siemens.

The courses are set to begin later this fall.

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