Positron emission tomography with 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in oncology. Part IIIa: Therapy response monitoring in breast cancer, lymphoma and gliomas

J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2001 May;127(5):269-77. doi: 10.1007/s004320000191.

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is considered to be a very useful adjunct to anatomic imaging techniques and is now primarily used for oncological indications. These indications include diagnosis, staging, and therapy monitoring. In this review, we discuss the articles in which FDG-PET is clinically used for monitoring therapy in breast cancer, lymphomas and gliomas. It is found that the amount of FDG uptake strongly correlates with response to therapy in breast cancer, lymphomas, and gliomas; a decrease in FDG uptake after therapy indicates a positive response to therapy. However, this conclusion is based on small patient numbers, whereas the exact response mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, more studies in comparable patient groups are required to achieve a better understanding of FDG uptake patterns after therapy. Part IIIb deals with lung, and head and neck cancer, hepatocellular and colorectal tumours, and sarcoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Central Nervous System Neoplasms / therapy
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18* / pharmacokinetics
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoma / therapy
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods
  • Rats
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18