Bayer Radiology Highlights the Growing Role of Medical Imaging in Cancer Treatment

Rising cancer cases are placing increased pressure on healthcare systems, while medical imaging technologies are becoming increasingly important in diagnosis and treatment processes. This topic was addressed at a media event held in Vienna as part of the European Congress of Radiology 2026 (ECR 2026).

At the event hosted by Bayer, experts evaluated new trends in radiology and the role of advanced imaging technologies in cancer treatment.

Rising Cancer Cases Require New Solutions
The global increase in cancer cases is driving healthcare systems to develop earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment methods. According to European Union data, the number of new cancer cases rose from 4.5 million to 5.4 million between 2022 and 2024.

According to experts, this situation is increasing the need for advanced imaging methods that enable faster and more accurate decision-making in cancer treatment.

Imaging is Critical at Every Stage of Cancer Treatment
Today, medical imaging in oncology is not limited solely to the diagnostic phase. It plays an important role in all stages of cancer treatment, including screening, early detection, diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment monitoring.

Thanks to advanced imaging techniques, tumors can be evaluated completely using non-invasive methods. These methods complement biopsy results and support more targeted and patient-centered treatment approaches.

"Medical Imaging Has Become a Critical Information Source for Clinical Decisions"
Peter Seidensticker, Head of Global Medical Affairs for Bayer Radiology, noted that medical imaging has moved beyond being merely a diagnostic tool, stating:

"Medical imaging has become a critical information source for clinical decisions. Imaging can reveal not only a tumor's status at a specific moment but also its progression over time. This contributes to more precise and personalized treatment decisions centered on the patient."

The Role of Imaging in Different Cancer Types
The event also addressed how imaging technologies contribute to different cancer types:

-Breast cancer: Advanced imaging methods can support early detection in women with dense breast tissue.

-Prostate cancer: MRI-guided assessments can help in more accurate determination of biopsy needs.

-Liver cancer: Imaging methods contribute to evaluation of tumor characteristics and monitoring of treatment response.

Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah, Head of Abdominal MRI at the Medical University of Vienna, noted that imaging provides important data in liver cancer for tumor evaluation and monitoring of the treatment process.

Ba-Ssalamah stated that advanced imaging methods contribute to early diagnosis, treatment planning, and understanding of disease progression, helping physicians develop patient-specific treatment strategies.

Innovation for Patient-Centered Treatment
Peter Seidensticker concluded his remarks by noting that Bayer will continue to contribute to innovations in medical imaging:

"Working in collaboration with stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, we aim to strengthen the role of radiology in treatment processes. Through these collaborations, we believe we can contribute to supporting clinical decision-making processes and improving patient outcomes."