# How to implement a radiologist led whole-body MRI screening program

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of whole-body MRI for early disease detection in asymptomatic individuals and emphasizes the need for radiologists to guide its ethical and evidence-based implementation.

## Contribution

The paper outlines the development of a radiologist-led whole-body MRI screening program and emphasizes the role of radiologists in ensuring its responsible expansion.

## Key findings

- Whole-body MRI is increasingly adopted by consumers despite limited evidence of benefit in asymptomatic individuals.
- Radiologists must lead in defining best practices to ensure ethical and evidence-based use of whole-body MRI.
- Implementation of such programs requires multidisciplinary collaboration and consideration of cost-effectiveness.

## Abstract

Screening whole-body MRI (WB-MRI) is gaining increasing attention as a tool for early disease detection, with growing adoption driven largely by consumer demand and direct-to-consumer private platforms. While WB-MRI has demonstrated utility in high-risk populations, its use in asymptomatic individuals remains controversial due to concerns about low diagnostic yield, false positives, overdiagnosis, and the lack of survival outcome data. Despite these limitations, the popularity of WB-MRI is expected to rise given the aging population and aggressive marketing by direct-to-consumer companies, underscoring the need for thoughtful and proactive engagement by radiologists. Radiologists have an obligation to ensure that scientific rigor, ethical oversight, and multidisciplinary collaboration guide the expansion of WB-MRI. This review outlines the current evidence and evolving landscape of screening WB-MRI, describes the development and implementation of a program within an academic radiology practice, and discusses the downstream implications and cost-effectiveness of WB-MRI screening. As this technology continues to expand beyond traditional indications, radiologists must play a leading role in defining best practices and ensuring that implementation remains evidence-based, transparent, and patient-centered.

Summary statement

This review evaluates the current evidence, practical implementation, and ethical and economic considerations regarding screening whole-body MRI in asymptomatic individuals, emphasizing radiologists’ essential role in guiding its evidence-based, patient-centered use.