Current state of oncologic ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in Japan: A nationwide survey

Combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has gradually advanced with the introduction of newly developed techniques. However, the recent status of imaging techniques (e.g., scanning range, availability of correction methods, and decisions on performing delayed scan) in oncologic PET/CT with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) in Japan is unclear. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey to document ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT protocols and clarify the recent status of imaging techniques for oncologic ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in Japan.

We conducted a web survey hosted by the Japanese Society of Radiological Technology between October and December 2017. The questionnaire included nine items on the demographics of the respondents, their scan protocols, and additional imaging to their routine protocols.

We received responses from 119 Japanese technologists who performed ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in practice. Almost all the respondents stated that the scanning range was from the top of the head to the pelvis or mid-thigh region. Newly developed techniques were used by fewer than half of the respondents. Most respondents performed additional imaging in consultation with physicians, such as delayed imaging (83%) or an extended scanning range for early imaging (55%).

Our survey helps in clarifying the recent state of oncologic ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging techniques in Japan. Given that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT practices most frequently performed additional imaging along with their routine scan protocol, the practice constitutes the most varied examination performed in Japanese nuclear medicine.