Oncology Imaging Guidelines

These guidelines govern use of advanced diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, PET and nuclear medicine) for evaluation, staging and surveillance of oncology patients across many malignancies including gynecologic cancers, hematologic cancers (leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma), hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, metastatic disease and carcinoma of unknown primary. Major requirements and limits include a recent clinical evaluation/meaningful contact (within 60 days) before advanced imaging, physician review for atypical presentations and repeat PET/CT, modality-specific rules (MRI preferred for brain metastases; CT with/without contrast only if MRI is contraindicated/unavailable), defined surveillance intervals (e.g., during chemotherapy imaging typically no more often than every 2 cycles/6–8 weeks, endocrine therapy every 3 months) and that routine imaging is generally not indicated beyond 5 years after treatment.

"ONC-14."