2ⁿᵈ Edition of the Cancer R&D World Conference 2026

Abstract

Imaging is not just another data point in oncology trials—it's often the most critical determinant of whether a patient progresses, a therapy moves forward, or a program succeeds. Yet, despite its importance, imaging remains one of the most under-planned and operationally fragile elements in cancer trials. Why? Because the stakes are high and the processes are complex, selecting the wrong imaging partner—or failing to oversee them properly—can cost sponsors both time and credibility.

This presentation offers more than a checklist—it provides a strategic roadmap. Suppose you're a biotech sponsor, CRO, clinical operations lead, or vendor oversight professional involved in imaging-intensive oncology trials. In that case, this session is designed to help you protect your trial's integrity while unlocking operational efficiency and regulatory confidence.

We'll start by breaking down what truly matters when choosing an imaging vendor. Beyond the glossy proposal decks and pitch slides, what should you actually be looking for? You'll learn how to evaluate vendor capabilities with a critical eye—focusing on therapeutic alignment, expertise in tumor-specific imaging, their ability to handle optimized evaluation criteria beyond RECIST/iRECIST, quality control protocols, and global site support infrastructure. We'll also share tips on how to stress-test a vendor's ability to flex with trial demands—especially in adaptive, basket, and expansion-cohort studies.

However, vendor selection is only the beginning. The real value is created—or lost—during execution. We'll explore proven oversight models that bridge the gap between imaging teams and clinical operations, including how to establish a performance framework that aligns with trial objectives and ensures data quality at every stage. You'll learn how to structure KPIs and SLAs that reflect the actual pain points of imaging in oncology—like minimizing image transfer delays, improving protocol compliance at the site level, and optimizing read turnaround for timely database locks and interim analyses.

Drawing from real-world examples and lessons learned from global oncology trials, we'll examine how early missteps in imaging planning often lead to protocol amendments, missed milestones, and regulatory headaches—and how you can proactively avoid them. We'll also walk through communication strategies that foster collaboration rather than confusion across vendors, CROs, and internal teams.

Importantly, we'll also cover what regulators expect when it comes to imaging documentation and validation—especially as imaging becomes more central to primary and surrogate endpoints. From protocol language to imaging charter details and independent reads, you'll leave with a clear understanding of how to "audit-proof" your imaging strategy.

Ultimately, this session is about risk reduction, value creation, and speed. By taking a strategic, hands-on approach to imaging vendor selection and management, you can increase the likelihood of trial success—without sacrificing quality or adding unnecessary complexity.

Whether you're planning your next oncology program or mid-flight in an ongoing study, this session will leave you better equipped to make confident decisions about your imaging partnerships and avoid the avoidable.

Key Takeaways:

• How to evaluate and select the right imaging partner for your oncology trial
• Common execution pitfalls and how to proactively prevent them
• Performance metrics that actually matter for imaging oversight
• Regulatory insights for imaging strategy documentation
• Practical tools for aligning vendors, CROs, and sponsor teams for success