Positron emission tomography in oncology. Council on Scientific Affairs
This report describes the current and potential uses of positron emission
tomography in clinical medicine and research related to oncology.
Assessment will be possible of metabolism and physiology of tumors and
their effects on adjacent tissues. Specific probes are likely to be
developed for target sites on tumors, including monoclonal antibodies and
specific growth factors that recognize tumors. To date, most oncological
applications of positron emission tomography tracers have been qualitative;
in the future, quantitative metabolic measurements should aid in the
evaluation of tumor biology and response to treatment.
