The Future Direction of Medical Imaging in Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Oncology: Challenges and Opportunities

Dear Colleagues,

In the rapidly advancing field of precision oncology, medical imaging plays a pivotal role in the early detection, characterization, and personalized management of hepato-bilio-pancreatic malignancies. These tumors—arising from the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas—present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that require high-resolution and functionally informative imaging approaches.

Advanced CT and MRI techniques, complemented by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and PET/CT when appropriate, enable detailed visualization of tumor morphology and biology, supporting early diagnosis, precise staging, and real-time evaluation of therapeutic response.

The integration of imaging data with genomics, molecular profiling, and computational approaches is transforming hepato-bilio-pancreatic oncology into a more predictive and cost-effective discipline, fostering individualized treatment planning and optimized resource allocation. Through quantitative biomarkers, radiomics, and artificial intelligence (AI), imaging is evolving from a primarily diagnostic modality into a powerful decision-support tool that informs prognosis, therapy selection, and longitudinal disease monitoring.

This Special Issue, “The Future Direction of Medical Imaging in Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Oncology: Challenges and Opportunities”,  aims to showcase current advances and future directions in imaging-driven management of hepato-bilio-pancreatic cancers. We invite original research and review articles focusing on innovative imaging techniques, computational and AI-based tools, and integrative, multidisciplinary strategies that enhance early detection, individualized treatment, and outcome prediction in cancer care.

By bringing together expertise from radiology, nuclear medicine, oncology, surgery, bioinformatics, and data science, this Special Issue seeks to foster collaboration and highlight how imaging can continue to drive innovation in precision hepato-bilio-pancreatic oncology, ultimately shaping the future of personalized and sustainable cancer healthcare.

Dr. Nicolò Brandi
Guest Editor

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