Promises and challenges of positron emission tomography for assessment of sarcoma in daily clinical practice.
A correct histological diagnosis, careful staging and detection of tumour response to treatment are all crucial in the management of sarcomas. Imaging is important in all of these stages. Sarcomas have distinct biological and treatment-related features posing challenges for imaging. For example, size measurements may not adequately reflect response rates. Techniques which can measure tissue function rather than generate merely anatomical data such as positron emission tomography (PET) are rapidly gaining interest. We discuss the importance of imaging in different stages of patient management, emphasising the unique characteristics of sarcoma. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of PET for the various indications, focussing on therapy evaluation.
Department of Medical Oncology.
A C M
AC
van de Luijtgaarden
J W J
JW
de Rooy
L F
LF
de Geus-Oei
W T A
WT
van der Graaf
W J G
WJ
Oyen
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy
D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18