Integrated Radiology and Endocrinology in Oncologic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review for Improved Outcomes (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Endocrine cancers, including those of the thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas, significantly affect public health due to their high morbidity and mortality rates, placing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Traditional surgical management faces limitations in precise tumor localization and characterization, highlighting the need for advanced diagnostic tools and integrated approaches. Precision medicine aims to tailor treatment strategies to individual patient characteristics, utilizing genetic, molecular, and radiological data to enhance surgical and therapeutic decisions. Radiology has evolved significantly with advancements in PET-CT, MRI, and functional imaging, enhancing the accuracy of diagnosing, staging, and monitoring endocrine tumors. OBJETIVE To evaluate advanced radiological imaging and integrated endocrinological approaches in endocrine cancer surgery, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve surgical precision, optimize patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs through a multidisciplinary, precision medicine framework. METHODS This is a narrative review which included studies in the MEDLINE – PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), COCHRANE, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases, using as descriptors: “Endocrine Cancer Surgery” AND “Advanced Radiological Imaging” AND “Precision Medicine in Endocrinology” AND “Intraoperative Imaging Techniques” AND “Multidisciplinary Approach in Oncology” in the last years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Advanced imaging techniques like PET-CT and MRI have revolutionized the preoperative assessment of endocrine tumors by providing detailed visualization of tumor location, size, and extent, which enhances surgical planning. Combining radiological imaging with endocrinological insights allows for more tailored surgical approaches, improving precision and reducing risks such as incomplete resection and damage to critical tissues. Intraoperative imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and near-infrared fluorescence, provide real-time feedback during surgery, leading to better tumor resection and fewer complications. Imaging biomarkers like SUV on PET and ADC on MRI provide prognostic information about tumor aggressiveness and response to therapy, guiding more personalized treatment decisions. Imaging modalities like ultrasound, CT, and PET-CT are crucial for postoperative monitoring, detecting residual disease, and identifying early signs of recurrence, enabling timely interventions. AI and machine learning enhance diagnostic accuracy and surgical planning by analyzing large volumes of imaging data, identifying patterns and features that may be overlooked by human observers. Comparative studies show that advanced imaging techniques improve surgical outcomes, with higher rates of complete tumor resection, fewer complications, and lower recurrence rates. CONCLUSION The integration of advanced radiological imaging and endocrinological approaches significantly improves the management of endocrine cancers. Techniques like PET-CT, MRI, and intraoperative ultrasound enhance tumor localization, surgical precision, and patient outcomes. AI-driven technologies and imaging biomarkers offer new avenues for personalized treatment and better prognostication. Future research should focus on developing innovative imaging techniques and interdisciplinary approaches to further improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of endocrine cancers. Embracing these advancements will enable more effective, personalized, and patient-centered care for those affected by endocrine malignancies.