PET-Based Thoracic Radiation Oncology

PET Clin. 2016 Jul;11(3):319-32. doi: 10.1016/j.cpet.2016.03.001. Epub 2016 Apr 6.

Abstract

Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET is increasingly being integrated into multiple aspects of oncology. PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) has become especially important in radiation oncology. With the increasing use of advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton therapy, PET/CT scans have played critical roles in the target delineation of tumors for radiation oncologists delivering conformal treatment techniques. Use of PET/CT is well established in lung cancer and several other thoracic malignancies. This article details the current uses of PET/CT in thoracic radiation oncology with a focus on lung cancer and describes expected future roles of PET/CT for thoracic tumors.

Keywords: Adaptive planning; Lung cancer; PET/CT; Personalized; Proton therapy; Radiation oncology; Stereotactic body radiation therapy; Target delineation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*