New imaging techniques

Abstract

Most treatment decisions are made on the basis of a probability of disease extent based upon statistical evidence from clinical trial results. We know from experience, however, that these predictions on an individual patient may be incorrect. Some patients fare better than expected and some, unfortunately, do worse. Our tendency is to overestimate the extent of disease at the expense of greater treatment side effects or morbidity. At times, we underestimate - and the disease recurs.