Recent Trends in PET Image Interpretations Using Volumetric and Texture-based Quantification Methods in Nuclear...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Oncology
• Medical imaging analysis

Background:

• Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging is vital for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
• Quantitative analysis of PET/CT scans, particularly with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG), is essential for evaluating oncological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current image quantification methodologies in (18)F-FDG PET for major cancers.
• To emphasize the role and current status of tumor heterogeneity studies in oncology.
• To explore emerging radiopharmaceuticals beyond (18)F-FDG for cancer management.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on PET/CT image quantification techniques.
• Analysis of quantitative parameters used in (18)F-FDG PET image analysis.
• Focus on methodologies for assessing tumor heterogeneity.

Main Results:

• (18)F-FDG PET/CT image quantification is a key tool in oncology.
• Tumor heterogeneity studies using (18)F-FDG PET are widely performed across major cancers.
• Analysis of tumor metabolic activity is the primary quantitative approach, with other parameters gaining importance.

Conclusions:

• Tumor heterogeneity studies in (18)F-FDG PET are highly promising for enhancing cancer management strategies.
• Further research into novel radiopharmaceuticals and advanced quantification methods is ongoing.
• Quantitative PET/CT imaging, especially concerning tumor heterogeneity, offers significant potential in personalized cancer care.