The Role of PET Imaging in Gynecologic Radiation Oncology

PET Clin. 2018 Apr;13(2):225-237. doi: 10.1016/j.cpet.2017.11.007.

Abstract

The goal of this review is to discuss the current utility of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET for radiation oncologists who treat gynecologic malignancies. FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) is recommended for baseline assessment in cervical cancer and for staging in vulvar and vaginal cancer. The authors use FDG-PET/CT in definitive radiation treatment planning for cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. PET may be helpful for salvage radiation treatment planning for any recurrent gynecologic malignancy. There are published data to support the use of PET in posttreatment evaluation of cervical and vulvar cancer.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Gynecologic oncology; Ovarian cancer; PET; Radiation therapy; Uterine cancer; Vulvar cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / diagnostic imaging*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiation Oncology / methods*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / radiotherapy

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18