Role of 18F-NaF PET/CT in bone metastases

Q J Nucl Med Mol Imaging. 2023 Dec;67(4):249-258. doi: 10.23736/S1824-4785.23.03534-3. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

Abstract

The use of 18F sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) in positron emission tomography (PET/CT) is increasing. This resurgence of an old tracer has been driven by several factors, including its superior diagnostic performance over standard 99mTc-based bone scintigraphy (BS), availability of PET/CT imaging systems, a shortened examination time and an increase in the number of regional commercial PET radiotracer distribution. In this special article, we aimed to highlight the current place of the 18F-NaF PET/CT in the imaging of bone metastases (BM) in a variety of malignancies. A special focus is given to the following ones: breast cancer (BC), prostate cancer (PCa). Also, other malignancies such as bladder cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, multiple myeloma, head and neck cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma have been addressed. At last, we summarize the advantages and limits of the 18F-NaF PET/CT compared to other imaging modalities in these settings.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms* / secondary
  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Sodium Fluoride

Substances

  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Sodium Fluoride