Principles and applications of positron emission tomography in oncology

Authors: Yeung, Eugene; Chu, Kent-Man

Source: Surgical Practice, Volume 4, Number 2, May 2000 , pp. 57-61(5)

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Abstract:

Positron emission tomography (PET) builds images based on the biological processes of the body. It is, therefore, a `functional' rather than an `anatomical' imaging modality. Positron-emitting radionuclide labelled physiological molecules are injected intravenously. One of the more frequently used radiopharmaceuticals is fluorine-18 labelled deoxyglucose (FDG). The differential uptake of FDG by different cells of the body after its administration gives rise to a functional image. Currently, FDG-PET is used most often in neurological science, cardiology and oncology. Malignant cells are known to have a higher rate of glycolysis and, therefore, FDG uptake would be higher in cancer cells. Malignancies in various organs have been investigated with FDG-PET. To date, FDG-PET has been found useful for detecting tumours, staging and grading tumours, differentiating between recurrences and benign effects of treatment, monitoring the response to treatment, and assessing tumour drug uptake. Nevertheless, local data on PET are currently not available and its cost-effectiveness also needs further investigation.

Keywords: [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose; oncology; positron emission tomography

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1442-2034.2000.00052.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong Medical Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.

Publication date: 2000-05-01