Recent developments in urologic oncology: positron emission tomography molecular imaging.
OBJECTIVE
Traditional morphologically based imaging modalities in uro-oncology are now being complemented by the functional and molecular imaging technique positron emission tomography (PET). This review highlights the most important recent developments.


RESULTS
Prostate cancer: PET imaging with the new radiotracers 11C-choline, 18F-fluorocholine, and 11C-acetate show promising results. The role of anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid remains to be elucidated further. 18F-fluoride PET is useful for the detection of bone metastases. Bladder cancer: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT with delayed images after a diuretic and oral hydration may improve detection of locally recurrent or residual bladder tumours. Both 18F-FDG PET and 11C-choline PET may be useful for staging of bladder cancer. Renal cancer: 18F-FDG PET has a role in staging and restaging of the disease. Recently, 124I-cG250 PET has shown promising results in the detection of clear-cell renal carcinoma. Testicular cancer: 18F-FDG PET is useful in staging and follow-up after treatment. There are no important recent developments with new radiopharmaceuticals in testicular cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The utility of PET molecular imaging in uro-oncology expanded due to the new metabolic PET tracers with more favourable properties.
Bouchelouche
Kirsten
K
PET & Cyclotron Unit, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. bouchelouche@mail.tele.dk
Oehr
Peter
P
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*
D002250:Carbon Radioisotopes; D011868:Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18