Use of positron emission tomography in oncology and its potential role to assess response to imatinib mesylate therapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

摘要: The reliability of established anatomical imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI), is compromised in following response to certain types treatment if metabolic improvement occurs before morphologic change apparent. Thus, traditional techniques cannot discriminate early tumor because they are based on purely visual structural assessments. Recently, the use positron emission (PET), most commonly employing radiotracer 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), has been shown improve assessment behavior by highlighting functional changes glucose metabolism that appear correlate closely with imatinib mesylate. Like CT MRI, PET can identify an abnormal mass; its over these lies ability differentiate active from necrosing tissue, malignant benign recurrent scar tissue. Understanding using this tool should our accurately follow GIST patients treated mesylate, permit new therapeutic approach be used optimally accurate follow-up assessments informed decision-making.