Emerging Opportunities for Digital PET/CT to Advance Locoregional Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Semin Radiat Oncol. 2019 Apr;29(2):93-101. doi: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2018.11.005.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the recent imaging advancements enabled by digital photon counting positron emission tomography detector technology and discuss its potential applications in the clinical management of head and neck cancer (HNC) and nodal metastases. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography is a clinically useful biomarker for the detection, targeted biopsy, treatment planning, and therapeutic response assessment of HNC. This article highlights the current state of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography imaging in HNC management as well as the emerging capabilities of the recently introduced digital photon counting positron emission tomography/computed tomography platform for more effective molecular and functional HNC imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18