Surveillance recommendations currently rely on structural imaging, with emphasis on morphology of disease and little inclusion of functional assessment. While imaging technology has improved significantly in sensitivity, the morbidity of subsequent investigations to improve specificity needs to be more effectively weighed against the benefits of earlier detection of well differentiated disease. In the era of molecular based therapies, is it time for surveillance imaging protocols to do better than just detection?
A review of current imaging technology, including both radiology and molecular imaging, pertaining to the surveillance for breast and renal carcinoma will be presented.