Focal Point on Radiology in Japan

Advances in X-ray, CT and MRI technology will require ever more specialists to interpret results — careful adoption of AI may be part of the solution.

From X-ray tech as far back as 1896, through to the adoption of AI for diagnosing diseases from medical images today, Japan has long been at the forefront of radiology.

Japan is working to develop a new and interesting accelerator-based radionuclide therapy.

A combination of advances in magnetic resonance imaging to help track the movement of fluids in the brain and supercomputer-powered simulations are modifying our understanding of cognitive decline.

Computed tomography has a new upright design, higher-resolution images and innovative workflow software — all expanding the usefulness and accessibility of this powerful diagnostic tool.

Semiconductor detectors that directly measure the electrical signals produced by X-rays have hugely improved the resolution and contrast of computed tomography scanners.

Researchers hope that a powerful and more responsive X-ray radiotherapy system could target cancers with great precision, shortening treatment times and reducing damage to healthy tissue.

Boron neutron capture therapy is being used in Japan to target and treat head and neck tumours. Many other countries are now building facilities.