Abstract

Na18F PET in oncology

Author(s): Monica Celli and Stefano Fanti

Primary tumors of the skeleton are rare, but metastatic involvement from solid neoplasms, such as prostate, breast and lung, are unfortunately frequent. Skeletal metastases are clinically significant because of associated symptoms and complications (refractory pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia). Early detection and accurate evaluation of the extent of skeletal involvement is pivotal for treatment planning and prognosis. Na18F resurgence as an osteotropic agent for whole-body imaging of the skeleton has been made possible by the fast and wide diffusion of PET and PET/CT, which offer higher spatial resolution and sensitivity than conventional g‑cameras used in planar scintigraphy or SPECT. The article reviews the published literature reporting on Na18F PET and PET/CT diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of osteosarcoma and bone metastases from different nonosseous solid tumors. A brief overview on current recommendations for bone metastasis imaging, Na18F general aspects and kinetics, PET scanning technical aspects, and radiation dosimetry are included.