The last 20 years have brought about great advances in breast cancer detection and treatment. Among them has been the advent of molecular breast imaging tools, based on either gamma technology — breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI)/molecular breast imaging (MBI) — or high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) technology — positron emission mammography (PEM). These tools differ from those traditionally used in breast imaging, as they do not evaluate anatomy, as is the case with mammography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Soft tissue imaging in radiation therapy planning and delivery is relatively new and has been spawned by the development of linear accelerator-mounted kV imaging devices, as well as improvements in ultrasound technology. We have used Clarity 3-D ultrasound for target definition and daily target localization for breast and prostate cancers for the last four years and are rapidly moving toward daily, continuous monitoring of prostate gland position using transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), a technique we helped develop. We are continuing a series of clinical trials to evaluate TPUS in the treatment of prostate cancer.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System is a 199-bed hospital in Athens, Ga., and has been a trusted presence in the community since 1938. Our radiology picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was installed about nine years ago and on average, we perform 100,000 radiology studies a year. That system has served the radiology department at St. Mary’s very well.

Recent advances in diagnostic-grade flat panel displays include automated and remote quality assurance (QA), elimination of the bezel between two screens by using a single large screen for workstations and an increasing use of color monitors.

Riverwoods Imaging Center in Provo, Utah, built a strong imaging and interventional radiology program and made it profitable by creating a solid referral base and leveraging technology to make workflow more efficient. Opened in 2002 and located at its present facility since September 2011, the outpatient center offers a variety of diagnostic procedures, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound and conventional X-rays and fluoroscopy.