DIA, a neutral, non-profit, global, professional association of members who work in the discovery, development, and life cycle management of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related products, has planned an intense one-day workshop on imaging in clinical trials. Slated to be held on July 27, 2012 in Bangalore, this workshop is being conducted in collaboration with Image Core Lab and Teleradiology Solutions. The educational need addresses a combination of knowledge, competence, and performance gaps.
Growing importance of medical imaging
Medical imaging has developed extensively over the last 30 years. It now plays an ever-increasing role in the development of new therapeutics, either as a surrogate endpoint or an endpoint in its own right. Based on the objective nature of the measurements and the direct correlation to efficacy, medical research scientists are realising the impact this makes on the clinical trial process. Various criteria have been developed for objective interpretation of imaging studies. Additionally, there are emerging imaging techniques that have the potential for applications as surrogate endpoints for clinical trials.
The increasing use of imaging in clinical trials is due to some major driving forces in the industry. First, there are the improvements in medical imaging technology and image quality, such as 3D Computerised Tomography (multi-slice CT) and standardised fast acquisition modes in MRI. Ultrasound has also seen major strides in improvement in imaging quality and increased use in cardiovascular applications.
In addition, nuclear medicine has also made major strides in PET and SPECT technology, due to the approval of PET for lung cancer and, more recently, other oncology and neurology applications. Newly approved imaging contrast agents will also improve the ability to gain functional assessment of organ and tissue function and provide more direct measure of therapeutic effect within the target tissue. The continuing need to shorten the drug and biologics development time continues to provide an impetus to use imaging endpoints in clinical trials—particularly in early phases of clinical development. Early assessment of safety and efficacy can also be accomplished with many imaging applications.
DIA’s objectives
Imaging techniques and read criteria continue to evolve, and it is important for investigators to keep current with the best practices. Hence, the DIA workshop’s participants will be oriented with newer imaging modalities and latest imaging criteria with specific focus on quantitative imaging. Distinguished international faculty speakers from top medical schools will review the current practice of imaging biomarkers in clinical trials in oncology, cardiovascular, metabolic, bone and joint diseases.
The course content will focus on the need for consistency, accuracy and reproducibility of imaging data in clinical trials and how to achieve this. The workshop will also touch upon the added value of Core Labs and the role of technology in centralised imaging apart from examining how this can bring about efficiencies and cost reductions in trials.
The workshop is geared towards individuals from academic medical centres, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations, biotechnology companies and medical device companies that design and manage clinical trials. These individuals include medical directors, physicians, project managers and medical research scientists. In addition, this course will benefit radiologists who interpret images and non-radiologists involved in imaging clinical trials. Participants will also learn appropriate analysis methodology.
The workshop has been designed to enhance medical knowledge and patient care through better design of clinical trials and interpretation of imaging data.
To know more about DIA’s workshop and its initiatives in, log on to http://www.diahome.org/en-IN.aspx
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