Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/Computed Tomography in Multimodality and Theranostic Workflows

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Theranostics combines diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy, revolutionizing cancer treatment.
• Receptor-targeted tracers like somatostatin receptor and prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT are common in theranostic workflows.
• 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT images glucose metabolism, providing complementary biological information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence and guideline recommendations for FDG PET/CT in theranostic oncology.
• To explore emerging applications and the evolving role of FDG PET/CT.
• To define FDG PET/CT's position as a key component in theranostic workflows.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current evidence and guideline recommendations.
• Discussion of emerging applications such as total-body PET, AI-assisted quantification, and radiomics.
• Exploration of novel fibroblast activation protein inhibitor targeted theranostics.

Main Results:

• FDG PET/CT remains indispensable in theranostic oncology, capturing unique metabolic information.
• Emerging technologies like total-body PET and AI are enhancing FDG PET/CT capabilities.
• Novel targeted theranostics are expanding the scope of FDG PET/CT applications.

Conclusions:

• FDG PET/CT is a vital 'gatekeeper' in oncological theranostics, complementing receptor-targeted imaging.
• Its role is expanding with advancements in imaging technology and novel therapeutic targets.
• FDG PET/CT's ability to assess glucose metabolism ensures its continued importance in personalized cancer care.