The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) brought together leading experts to discuss the future of radiology, focusing on innovation, patient empowerment and workflow optimisation. Bayer’s session featured key insights from industry leaders, medical experts and patient advocates, highlighting the transformative role of AI, early diagnosis and improved patient engagement in radiology.
Nelson Ambrogio (President, Radiology, Bayer)
Nelson Ambrogio highlighted the critical role of scientific advancements and patient empowerment in improving healthcare outcomes. He emphasised that "diagnostic imaging is the place where the improvement of health outcomes really starts" and stressed the need for continuous innovation. He addressed the growing pressures on radiology departments due to increasing imaging procedures and staff shortages. Bayer is investing in contrast media and AI-driven digital solutions to optimise workflows and enhance diagnostic accuracy. Ambrogio reiterated the importance of patient involvement in their healthcare journey, stating that "empowering everyone to take charge of their health is more crucial now than ever".
Dr. Peter Seidensticker (Head of Medical Affairs, Radiology, Bayer)
Dr. Seidensticker provided a clinical perspective on radiology's evolving role in managing chronic diseases, particularly in oncology and cardiovascular care. He noted that there are "20 million new cancer patients every year" and highlighted the increasing burden on radiologists due to the rising volume and complexity of imaging. He stressed that innovation should focus on workflow efficiencies rather than just image quality improvements. "A lot of innovation is right now more tailored to improving workflow than necessarily to improving the image", he explained. He also discussed the importance of early detection in breast and lung cancer, where screening programmes have been most effective.
Caroline Justich (Founder, BeAccepted)
Caroline Justich shared her personal experience as a cancer survivor and entrepreneur, advocating for improved patient communication in radiology. She founded BeAccepted to build trust in screening programmes and encourage early detection. "Wouldn't it be great if radiologists are empowered to accompany patients from the beginning, throughout and beyond?", she asked. Her platform provides a 360-degree approach to patient support, bridging the gap between medical professionals and patients. Justich emphasised that radiologists play a crucial role in guiding patients through the diagnostic process and that better patient education can lead to improved adherence to treatments.
Prof. Michael Fuchsjäger (President, EUSOBI; Professor of Radiology, Medical University of Graz)
Prof. Fuchsjäger discussed advancements in breast imaging and the European Society of Breast Imaging’s (EUSOBI) recommendations on personalised breast cancer screening. He explained that women should be“informed about their individual breast density because this has relevance", advocating for supplemental screening with MRI for those with dense breasts. He also emphasised the shift from a volume-based to a value-based radiology model, where "perhaps less examinations with more value to our patients are more important than sheer numbers". He reinforced the importance of radiologists engaging directly with patients to improve outcomes.
Dr. Silvia Pérez Rodrigo (Head of Breast Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Madrid)
Dr. Pérez Rodrigo presented findings on AI's role in breast cancer diagnostics. She highlighted the importance of validation studies to confirm AI’s effectiveness in real-world settings, noting that "the cancer detection rate of the software was very, very high, was perfect". She also discussed how AI can reduce unnecessary biopsies, which can be a source of anxiety for patients. AI-assisted imaging can help radiologists prioritise cases and ensure that critical diagnoses are not missed.
The session underscored the evolving landscape of radiology, where technological advancements, AI integration and personalised screening approaches are enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals, industry leaders and patients, the future of radiology aims to be more efficient, accessible and patient-centred.
Source: ECR 2025
