PET-CT Imaging for Radiotherapy: From Clinical Biologic Target Definition to Translational Research

Abstract

Medical modalities for molecular imaging such as F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), has become an important surrogate biomarker that reflects cellular glucose metabolism. It has been applied to the staging, re-staging, therapeutic monitoring and follow-up of patients with various tumors. Phenotypic information is being used to increase the accuracy of radiation treatment planning, by fusing CT planning images, which has resulted in better tumor control and fewer treatment related toxicities. Applications of PET-CT using biotracers other than FDG in clinical radiotherapy research and in translational research for radiotherapy are intensively investigated which may offer additional parameters in therapeutic targeting.