The Use of PET in Evaluating Tumor Response and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

In this article, an overview is given for the use and potential of positron emission tomography (PET) in monitoring tumor response to therapy. First, the rationale for using PET to monitor response is presented. This is followed by a discussion of response monitoring using [F-18]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), concentrating on the various methods that can be used to analyze the data. Thereafter, a brief summary is given of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) PET Study Group recommendations for standardization of data acquisition and analysis, which is needed for comparing and pooling data from different institutes. Finally, some thoughts on future directions for the use of PET in evaluating tumor response and cancer therapy are offered.

Keywords

fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography tumor response cancer therapy

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