title: Companion diagnostics and molecular imaging-enhanced approaches for oncology clinical trials.
abstract: In the era of personalized medicine, diagnostic approaches are helping pharmaceutical and biotechnology sponsors streamline the clinical trial process. Molecular assays and diagnostic imaging are routinely being used to stratify patients for treatment, monitor disease, and provide reliable early clinical phase assessments. The importance of diagnostic approaches in drug development is highlighted by the rapidly expanding global cancer diagnostics market and the emergent attention of regulatory agencies worldwide, who are beginning to offer more structured platforms and guidance for this area. In this paper, we highlight the key benefits of using companion diagnostics and diagnostic imaging with a focus on oncology clinical trials. Nuclear imaging using widely available radiopharmaceuticals in conjunction with molecular imaging of oncology targets has opened the door to more accurate disease assessment and the modernization of standard criteria for the evaluation, staging, and treatment responses of cancer patients. Furthermore, the introduction and validation of quantitative molecular imaging continues to drive and optimize the field of oncology diagnostics. Given their pivotal role in disease assessment and treatment, the validation and commercialization of diagnostic tools will continue to advance oncology clinical trials, support new oncology drugs, and promote better patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: BioClinica Inc, Princeton, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Ronald L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Van Heertum
authors.affiliation: BioClinica Inc, Princeton, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scarimbolo
authors.affiliation: BioClinica Inc, Princeton, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.affiliation: BioClinica Inc, Princeton, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Berdougo
authors.affiliation: BioClinica Inc, Princeton, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Neal
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D057285:Precision Medicine / Q000379:methods; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
keywords: companion diagnostics; diagnostic assays; molecular imaging; oncology trials; personalized medicine