Application of positron emission tomography in gynecological malignancies

Abstract

Use of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging has gained an increasing importance in oncological applications. PET/computerized tomography (CT) scan provides both anatomic and functional imaging. FDG-PET/CT is used for staging of gynecological tumors, evaluating response to treatment and detecting relapses. It has been proven that FDG-PET/CT is useful for both early and advanced stages of cervical cancer. It gives promising results in determining prognoses and demonstrating recurrence foci in the case of indefinable increased tumor markers existing after treatment. As a diagnostic tool, PET/CT provides an important benefit in patients with ovarian cancer with an increase in the specific biomarker, CA-125, and negative findings on conventional imaging. It has been emphasized that PET/CT has an important role in endometrial cancer. Alternative PET tracers are used for diagnosis of genital system cancers. In this paper, we review the literature on the current role and future contributions of PET imaging in gynecologic tumor imaging, with particular attention on PET/CT.