Positron emission tomography (PET) techniques are well established in the imaging and staging of cancers, and as technology advances the possibilities that are opened up with these techniques broadens. As well as the initial identification and subsequent staging of cancers, this imaging methodology is also very well suited in tracking treatment response. PET scans utilize radiotracers to produce a highly detailed 3-dimensional image which identifies regions of high molecular activity and subsequently diagnose and assess various medical conditions, including cancers. Besides the aforementioned possibilities of PET scans, they are also highly useful in the identification of distant metastasis of cancers from the origin site, thanks to the fact radiotracers are injected into the circulation. This can be invaluable in the early detection of the metastases in a non-invasive way.
In most cases, the sensitivity and specificity of this type of scan is considered very high, but it is still not a perfect method. With the possibility of false negatives in cases of cancers with low metabolic activity there is still room for improvement and refinement with regard to PET imaging for utilization in cancer patients. In general, findings from PET scans would require further validation with either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), again highlighting the potential for refinement of this imaging technique. As the potential for PET scans is dependent on the ability of radiotracers to permeate the cancer tissues, areas of low uptake or restricted blood flow, areas such as the brain via the blood brain barrier, are another area where cancers and metastases are highly unlikely to be identified which would leave them undiagnosed and untreated.
In this Research Topic we invite the submission of manuscripts showing how PET scans can be utilized in new ways in the identification, staging, and monitoring of treatment success in various cancers throughout the body, as well as metastases from the origin site. We also invite submissions showing how the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of imaging modality can be improved through technological advancements, as well as novel ways the technique can be used to benefit patient outcomes.
Important Note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.
Positron emission tomography (PET) techniques are well established in the imaging and staging of cancers, and as technology advances the possibilities that are opened up with these techniques broadens. As well as the initial identification and subsequent staging of cancers, this imaging methodology is also very well suited in tracking treatment response. PET scans utilize radiotracers to produce a highly detailed 3-dimensional image which identifies regions of high molecular activity and subsequently diagnose and assess various medical conditions, including cancers. Besides the aforementioned possibilities of PET scans, they are also highly useful in the identification of distant metastasis of cancers from the origin site, thanks to the fact radiotracers are injected into the circulation. This can be invaluable in the early detection of the metastases in a non-invasive way.
In most cases, the sensitivity and specificity of this type of scan is considered very high, but it is still not a perfect method. With the possibility of false negatives in cases of cancers with low metabolic activity there is still room for improvement and refinement with regard to PET imaging for utilization in cancer patients. In general, findings from PET scans would require further validation with either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), again highlighting the potential for refinement of this imaging technique. As the potential for PET scans is dependent on the ability of radiotracers to permeate the cancer tissues, areas of low uptake or restricted blood flow, areas such as the brain via the blood brain barrier, are another area where cancers and metastases are highly unlikely to be identified which would leave them undiagnosed and untreated.
In this Research Topic we invite the submission of manuscripts showing how PET scans can be utilized in new ways in the identification, staging, and monitoring of treatment success in various cancers throughout the body, as well as metastases from the origin site. We also invite submissions showing how the sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of imaging modality can be improved through technological advancements, as well as novel ways the technique can be used to benefit patient outcomes.
Important Note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) will not be accepted in any of the sections of Frontiers in Oncology.
