Advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Forefront of Tackling Cancer

I was fascinated to learn about the campaign by Prostate Cancer Research to introduce a targeted national screening programme. They identify Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as key to the success of any programme.

Clinical Scientists are at the forefront of advances in the use of MRI, helping to introduce new technology such as artificial intelligence into routine practice and advising on new state of the art equipment purchases. They also help with clinical trials and research involving cutting-edge techniques. Clinical scientists often have links with universities and due to their clinical roles are well placed to translate new research into clinical use, constantly developing new pathways for patient’s imaging and improving access to MRI.

Moreover, Clinical Scientists are essential to ensuring the safety of the MRI procedure. They help to develop and implement safe working practices in MRI units, which includes advising on unit design, staff MRI safety and physics training and the development of procedures to assure safety for staff and patients. They also support radiographers in assessing patient implant safety and often assess the safety of patient implants themselves. 

They have a key role in ensuring that the images produced by MRI scanners are optimised and suitable for making a diagnosis. This is an important role in MRI because images are affected by several factors including patient movement and the presence of medical devices in the body. They may also analyse images to provide additional information for clinicians to aid a diagnosis and management.

At IPEM, we are always keen to use the expertise of our members for the wider public good and work with a wide range of partners across healthcare, academia and industry to deliver change. We are always interested in new initiatives to improve patient care, in line with our mission to improve health through Physics and Engineering in Medicine. It is essential that our members, the staff who help to deliver safe, effective, high quality care whilst driving innovation, are a key part of those conversations.

Maria Yanez Lopez, Co-Chair, IPEM MR Special Interest Group