Newcastle University

Aims

There have been tremendous developments in imaging technology in recent years. Such developments have led to the introduction and refinement of ultrasound, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These imaging modalities allow us to diagnose and stage tumours, monitor their response to treatment and follow up patients to look for evidence of relapse. Imaging now forms a major part of assessment of patients with cancer. Cancer imaging forms a major part of the workload of Diagnostic Imaging Departments.

This module, 'Developments in Diagnostic Imaging in Oncology' (ONC8004), will give you an insight into how different imaging modalities and imaging strategies can be employed to assess patients with cancer. You will gain an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of imaging techniques. You will have the opportunity to see how tumours present in different organs, how disease can spread to affect other tissues and how we can recognise when disease has spread from its site of origin. You will also get an understanding of the impact of treatment on both the tumour and normal tissues.

The module aim is that the student becomes familiar with the uses of radiology in patients with cancer and NOT to teach them how to be radiologists with detailed interpretation of radiological investigations.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topic 1 - Introduction to a Radiology Department      
Topic 2 - Neuroradiology
Imaging of Axial Brain Tumours      
Topic 3 - Head and Neck Imaging
Section A - Sinus Tumours
Section B - Thyroid Cancer      
Topic 4 - Chest
Topic 5 - Female Imaging
Section A: Breast CancerSection
Section B: Gynaecological Cancer      
Topic 6 - Cancer of the Oesophagus, Stomach and Colon
Section A: Cancer of the Oesophagus & Stomach
Section B: Cancer of the Colon      
Topic 7 - Pancreatic and Liver Tumours
Section A: Pancreatic Cancer
Section B: Liver Tumours      
Topic 8 - Renal, Urothelial and Prostate Cancer / Testis Tumours
Section A: Renal, Urothelial & Prostate Cancer
Section B: Testis Tumours      
Topic 9 - Primary Lymph nodes / Metastatic Disease
Section A: Primary Lymph Nodes
Section B: Metastatic Disease      
Topic 10 - Bone & Soft Tissue Tumours      
Topic 11 - Radiotherapy Changes of Treatment      
Topic 12 - Assessment of Response to Treatment      
Topic 13 - Paediatrics

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The rapid proliferation of websites which contain imaging and virtual simulation teqniques means that on-line delivery of this module is realistic. The module content will be designed within the framework of the module learning outcomes and will help the student critically review current imaging and virtual simulation techniques.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The ability to pursue a critical understanding of developments in imaging science and the relevance to oncological practice are appropriately accessed via the MCQ summative assessments, at the end of the module. This includes the use of diagnostic image analysis which examines the students understanding of some of the practical problems in diagnosing cancer imaging techniques.

In addition the formative assessments (x30 MCQ's - all text), with the additional discussion forum in weeks 6and 11 include template-based discussions to help bolster the knowledge learning outcomes of the module.