Oncologic imaging in a multidisciplinary context

Advances in our understanding of cancer and the development of multiple innovative and often expensive treatments have resulted in an increasing complexity in the management of cancer cases. Personalised or precision medicine has become a cornerstone of modern cancer management and requires a multidisciplinary approach that utilises expertise from various specialities to ensure precise diagnostics, effective treatments, and optimal patient outcomes. This thesis discusses the role of radiologists in multidisciplinary cancer care and emphasises their contributions to diagnostic accuracy, minimally invasive interventional therapies, and collaborative decision-making within oncologic multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs). Through a series of interrelated studies, this thesis emphasises the influence of specialised radiologic expertise on cancer patient management. It commences with a study on subspecialised second-opinion reviews in gynaecologic oncologic imaging, which showed that such reviews lead to significant changes in treatment strategies. Through three further studies, it explores the use of minimally invasive interventional radiological techniques in managing oncological surgical complications, emphasising the integration of radiology into the broader context of oncological care. It subsequently analyses the role of radiologists in multidisciplinary tumour boards, including the shift to virtual oncological MDTMs during the COVID-19 pandemic, a testament to the adaptability of radiological practice even in the face of new, unexpected challenges. This thesis highlights the importance of radiologists as core members of multidisciplinary teams. By improving imaging quality, optimising interventional treatments and outcomes, and promoting collaborative planning, radiologists play a fundamental role in modern oncologic care.