First National Forum on Biomedical Imaging in Oncology

September 1-2, 1999

The First National Cancer Institute-Industry Forum and Workshop on Biomedical Imaging in Oncology was convened in response to the rapid pace of innovation, discovery, and new developments in cancer research, basic science, and imaging technology. Participants represented many facets of industry, government, research, academia, and medicine. They were invited to help form a new synergy to create and adapt advances in basic science and imaging technology to oncology. While imaging has been essential in progress against cancer to date, it is already being used in new ways. As part of the agenda, several speakers described these new uses of imaging technology as well as some of the remaining challenges in oncology research, treatment, and diagnosis. Representatives of industry described the challenges they face, while government representatives discussedregulatory and reimbursement policy. Two panel discussions highlighted the challenges of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer using case histories, and the role of positron emission tomography (PET) in medicine and cancer treatment today. Thereafter, the participants divided into four smaller groups to discuss biomedical opportunities and challenges, technology development and challenges, regulatory concerns, and reimbursement issues. Please see the meeting summary and Proposed Action Plan for further details.