Faina Shtern, MD, presented “Post-Treatment Assessment and Creating Imaging-Based Short- and Intermediate-Term Patient Outcomes” during the 8th Global Summit on Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer on October 8, 2024.
How to cite: Shtern, Faina. “Post-Treatment Assessment and Creating Imaging-Based Short- and Intermediate-Term Patient Outcomes.” October 8, 2024. Accessed Feb 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/post-treatment-assessment-and-creating-imaging-based-short-and-intermediate-term-patient-outcomes/
Post-Treatment Assessment and Creating Imaging-Based Short- and Intermediate-Term Patient Outcomes – Summary
In this 10-minute presentation, Faina Shtern, MD, introduces an international working group formed by the AdMeTech Foundation to advance research and clinical strategies for focal treatment of prostate cancer. The group addresses the promising potential of minimally invasive therapies, such as partial ablation, for reducing complications and improving quality of life compared to whole gland treatments.
The group parallels earlier efforts in standardizing prostate MRI reporting, emphasizing the need for similar initiatives in focal treatment to prevent years of uncoordinated research. Since 2023, the executive committee has held consensus meetings, focusing on short- and intermediate-term imaging outcomes, the definition of residual and recurrent disease, and the development of standardized MRI reporting. Subcommittees for MRI and molecular imaging are actively exploring emerging tools like PSMA PET and advanced ultrasound.
The growing yet experimental utilization of focal therapies underscores the need for standardized approaches to ensure quality and effectiveness. Shtern highlights the critical intersection of precision imaging, patient care, and public health, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in advancing prostate cancer treatment.
The Global Summit on Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer is a unique multi-disciplinary forum organized to inform the key health care stakeholders about the emerging advances in clinical case and research and create a consensus-based vision for the future of precision care and educational and research strategy for its realization. The mission of the Summit is to fill the currently existing gap between the key experts of in vivo imaging, the world authorities in the in vitro fluid- and tissue-based molecular diagnostics, including genomics, and thought leaders in the development of novel observation strategies (e.g., active surveillance, or AS) and therapeutic interventions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Faina Shtern, MD, is the President and CEO of AdMeTech Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to ending the prostate cancer crisis. As a Founder of AdMeTech, Faina Shtern, MD, has been leading groundbreaking programs in prostate cancer research, education, awareness and advocacy, with a focus on the advancement of precision diagnostics and their integration with precision treatment, since 1997. This work has led to:
a) Development, global PI-RADS standardization, clinical evaluation, and implementation of precision MRI;
b) Establishment of molecular imaging, with priority focus on PSMA PET;
c) Original work in robotics for precision biopsy and treatment;
d) Recognition and expansion of radiogenomics; and
e) Precedent-setting legislation in US Congress and Massachusetts.
Prior to founding AdMeTech, Dr. Shtern served as Chief of the Diagnostic Imaging Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute, and Associate Director for Science and Technology, Office of Women’s Health, Office of the Secretary, US Department of Health and Human Services. She also led radiology research at Harvard Medical School’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and at Boston Children’s Hospital between 1999 and 2008.
Dr. Shtern has led and participated in numerous scientific and advisory committees, including the Breast Cancer Study Group of the National Academy of Medicine and Vice President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Program. In 2016, she was named a “Woman of Influence” by the Boston Business Journal.
