18F-FDG PET/CT in Oncology Biologic, Technical, and Quantitative Foundations for Interpretation
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Updated: Oct 31, 2026

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
Navid Hasani1, Ava Mohseny2, Dillan Patel3
1Institute of Nuclear Medicine, 5454 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 1600, Bethesda, MD, USA; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Stanford Medicine, 300 N Pasteur Drive, Floor 2, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
Abstract:
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography is a cornerstone of oncologic imaging, widely used for cancer diagnosis, staging, and surveillance. Accurate interpretation requires knowledge of the biological, technical, and quantitative factors influencing image formation and tracer uptake. This article reviews key determinants of FDG accumulation, including the Warburg effect, glycolytic enzyme expression, standardized uptake values measurements, and limitations of FDG PET/CT. It also discusses false-negative findings and common physiologic, inflammatory, and benign uptake patterns that may mimic malignancy, along with strategies for differentiation. Finally, technical factors affecting image quality, such as patient preparation and image reconstruction, are addressed.
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