TECH OUTLOOKJune -20199phantom scans or subject scans germane to trial endpoints.3. Ensure Validation. When using a non-standard technique, such as new software (or method) developed specifically for the study, request that the radiology team ­ or the team performing the imaging analysis ­ provide a testing and validation report that describes and supports the non-standard technique being applied. Noting that software and/or methodological testing and validation was performed (and how) in the overall trial report (and linking this to the study's IIS) will help explain and justify the image analysis strategy to the FDA and other regulatory agencies.4. Qualify and Log it. Maintain a log documenting all imaging equipment qualified for use in the study. This includes the make, model and software version of each imaging modality scanner and the specific hardware and software details for the setup at each qualified study site. It is also important to document and track equipment and software upgrades that deviate from the approved image acquisition standards (IAS)and could potentially impact image quality and downstream image assessment by the readers and/or software. 5. Verify Training. Collect the training records and credentials of all image readers in the study. Any and all information that reflects and represents their expertise with the study's therapeutic area, indication, IIS, image analysis software, and other imaging-related tools (e.g., imaging management solution) implemented in the trial will be valuable documentation for the clinical trial report. Further, this information can be particularly important if implementing a non-standard image analysis technique (e.g., new imaging biomarker) such as in Step 3 above. It is important to note that assessing clinical care is not the same as reading for a clinical trial. Readers should have relevant experience in evaluating a trial's specific imaging endpoints that are not often evaluated in clinical practice. Test it. Take the time to empirically validate the image analysis software to be utilized in the trial. One way to accomplish this is for a technician to scan an imaging phantom or healthy volunteer, and then test the image analysis methods against this data set. Be sure to choose a phantom that closely matches the needs of the study's indication and anatomical region-of-interest in terms of tissue type, size, shape, density, etc. Have the image analysis team perform image measurements and observations on the phantom-generated exams with the image analysis software so that the data generated definitively match the known values (e.g., physical characteristics) of the imaging phantom. Preexisting image data, from a previous study, can also be leveraged to support image analysis software validation if/when the phantom approach is not feasibleBy following these steps, trial leaders can have confidence that image analysis software will deliver accurate and reproducible data that will satisfy the regulatory approval requirements of clinical development programs.ConclusionClinical trial leaders need to be prepared to meet the growing need of incorporating imaging into their clinical development plans. Trial sponsors who continue to take a traditional, de-centralized approach to imaging may be placing their trial at unnecessary risk, as well as incurring delays and added expense. By implementing and centralizing imaging measurements with advanced technology solutions, sponsors and CROs can meet regulators' increasing interest in clinical trial imaging and ensure data accuracy while mitigating risks and improving trial efficiencies. Contact info@ert.com visit ert.com for more informationTrial sponsors who continue to take a traditional, de-centralized approach to imaging may be placing their trial at unnecessary risk, as well as incurring delays and added expense
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