A Simple Question, An Obvious Answer
Nobel laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi once said that research has four key components: brains with which to think, eyes with which to see, machines with which to measure, and—money.
Radiology, probably more than any other specialty, is reliant on unceasing research as we strive for new and better ways to diagnose and treat our patients and improve their quality of life. And thanks to this commitment to research, we now benefit from remarkable advances in both the technological and therapeutic applications of radiology in all its forms.
Today, the ACR's office in Philadelphia is the epicenter of radiologic research with both the American College of Radiology Imaging Network and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, each of which relies heavily on the four essential components Szent-Györgyi outlined. In recent years, the work done in the College's Philadelphia office has charted a new and exciting course for radiology research and has delivered results that will have a tremendous impact on how we practice radiology and the improved lives of our patients.
Today, more than 250 of the leading research institutions in the United States and Canada are involved in RTOG studies with more than 40 studies currently underway focusing on radiation therapy. In recent years, RTOG investigators and their work have taken center stage at the ASTRO meeting each year, presenting 16 abstracts last year alone, a striking statistic that signifies the extent of its efforts and achievements.
Just last fall, ACRIN announced the first protocol addressing the critical subject of imaging issues in children. More recently, last month ACRIN opened a new clinical trial to study PET pre- and post-treatment assessment for non-small cell lung cancer, which will enroll about 250 patients.
Yet, while these two organizations have opened our minds to new and innovative methods to diagnose and treat an array of diseases, significant challenges lie ahead.
While ACRIN and RTOG have the wealth of brains with which to think, eyes with which to see, and machines with which to measure, the dollars with which to fund this critical research are not as plentiful as we would like and we can use. As ACRIN Network Chair Bruce J. Hillman, MD, points out in his guest column on page 2 of this issue, while ACRIN has National Cancer Institute core funding through 2007 and has benefited from several grants, this only just allows for researchers to scratch the surface of the mysteries facing radiology. Moreover, as the federal budget belt continues to tighten, we cannot always assume uninterrupted funding from NCI. Coupled with increasing competition for research funding, the future achievements of these institutions are not guaranteed. And, with no ACR members' dues or other College revenues funding these vital research projects, the challenge becomes even greater. To that effect, Dr Hillman's column announces the formation of an ACRIN development fund, a critical first step to ensure the continued viability of the ACR's research efforts.
As radiologists, each one of us is a common denominator in the advancement of radiological research—whether we participate in a clinical trial, make a contribution to the new ACRIN fund, or simply show a genuine interest in the research work being conducted by the College's Philadelphia office.
Even the most extraordinary research began as a simple question. Now we must stop and ask ourselves a simple question, "Where would our profession be without research?" We know the answer and now we must each do our part—whether it be with our brains, with our eyes, with our machinery, or with our money—to ensure that we always have answers to the questions we ask today.