PET AND [F-18] FDG IN ONCOLOGY - A CLINICAL UPDATE

Positron emission tomography (PET) has become a very useful adjunct to anatomic imaging techniques, adding unique information to the charact erization of disease. The whole-body PET FDG technique developed over the last few years has surpassed most expectations with respect to its utility in clinical oncology. The large spectrum of neoplasms that no w can be studied with this approach makes it an essential clinical ima ging tool in diagnosis and management for many patients with cancer. T he metabolic information provided by this technique is complementary t o results from standard clinical and morphological examinations. It ma y be anticipated that through application of the multi-modality imagin g approach, significant advances in medical care will come.