Positron-emission tomography with [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose Part I. Biochemical uptake mechanism and its implication for clinical studies

Over the past decades, Positron Emission Tomography has opened a new field of imaging. Nowadays, this technique is being used for diagnosing, staging disease as well as for prognostic stratification and monitoring therapy. In this respect, [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FdGlc) is by far the most commonly used PET agent. Many factors have been identified being responsible for a high uptake of this agent in malignancy. However, additional factors such a s tumour treatment may interfere with the uptake mechanism. Knowledge of al l these factors is a prerequisite for an optimal interpretation of PET stud ies and, consequently, for a reliable judgement of tumour status. In this a rticle, a review is given of the factors influencing FdGlc uptake and the i mplications for clinical studies.