Whole-Body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI for Oncology: A Consensus Recommendation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Combined PET/MR imaging (PET/MRI) has evolved alongside PET/CT and SPECT/CT, with approximately 150 whole-body systems now operational globally.
• Oncologic imaging represents a primary application area for PET/MRI, highlighting its growing clinical significance.
• Despite increasing use, a lack of standardized PET/MRI protocols hinders efficient patient management and multi-center research.

Framework:

• This document presents consensus recommendations for whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI.
• Key aspects covered include patient referral, preparation, workflow, imaging protocols, and reporting strategies.
• Developed by leading experts, these recommendations aim to standardize and harmonize PET/MRI practices.

Implementation:

• The recommendations focus on practical implementation for oncologic imaging.
• Guidance is provided for consistent application across different clinical settings.
• The goal is to facilitate efficient on-site patient management and robust multi-center studies.

Implications:

• Standardization is essential for the efficient clinical adoption of PET/MRI.
• Harmonized protocols will improve the reliability and comparability of PET/MRI data.
• These recommendations support the broader utilization of PET/MRI for improved patient care.