FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a leading global malignancy with increasing incidence in younger populations.
• Despite rising cases, mortality rates have significantly declined in developed nations due to advancements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in optimizing therapeutic strategies, assessing treatment response, and enabling early detection of cancer recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the scientific evidence supporting the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer management.
• To emphasize the applications of 18F-FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer based on current international guidelines and recommendations from major scientific associations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing scientific literature on 18F-FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer.
• Analysis of guidelines and recommendations from prominent international oncology and radiology societies.
• Focus on evidence pertaining to diagnostic accuracy, staging, treatment response assessment, and recurrence detection.

Main Results:

• 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates significant value in various aspects of colorectal cancer care.
• The technique aids in accurate staging, differentiating benign from malignant lesions, and detecting metastatic disease.
• Evidence supports its use in evaluating treatment response and identifying recurrent colorectal cancer, often earlier than conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• 18F-FDG PET/CT is an important imaging modality for optimizing colorectal cancer patient management.
• Its integration into clinical practice, guided by international recommendations, improves decision-making and patient outcomes.
• Further research may continue to refine the specific indications and applications of 18F-FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer.