title: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography protocols for radiation therapy planning and therapy response assessment.
abstract: This article covers positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan protocols for radiation therapy planning purposes and therapy response assessment. For radiation therapy planning PET-CT scans, protocols used will depend on the intended use of the PET-CT images in the radiation therapy planning. In general scans are performed on a flat radiation therapy pallet with the patient in the treatment position or closely approximating the treatment position. PET-CT protocols used in radiation therapy planning are typically otherwise very similar to diagnostic protocols. An important component in PET-CT imaging performed for therapy monitoring and assessment is consistency in patient preparation, image acquisition, and imaging processing of the baseline scan and subsequent therapy assessment scans.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Radiology Services, Grand Rapids, MI, USA. pshreve@advancedrad.com
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shreve
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Swanston
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Faasse
mesh_terms: D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D056973:Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D011880:Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D055425:Respiratory-Gated Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18