Imaging of Tumor Metabolism Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

TY - JOUR

T1 - Imaging of Tumor Metabolism Using Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

AU - Apostolova, Ivayla

AU - Wedel, Florian

AU - Brenner, Winfried

PY - 2016/8/26

Y1 - 2016/8/26

N2 - Molecular imaging employing PET/CT enables in vivo visualization, characterization, and measurement of biologic processes in tumors at a molecular and cellular level. Using specific metabolic tracers, information about the integrated function of multiple transporters and enzymes involved in tumor metabolic pathways can be depicted, and the tracers can be directly applied as biomarkers of tumor biology. In this review, we discuss the role of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as an in vivo glycolytic marker which reflects alterations of glucose metabolism in cancer cells. This functional molecular imaging technique offers a complementary approach to anatomic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has found widespread application as a diagnostic modality in oncology to monitor tumor biology, optimize the therapeutic management, and guide patient care. Moreover, emerging methods for PET imaging of further biologic processes relevant to cancer are reviewed, with a focus on tumor hypoxia and aberrant tumor perfusion. Hypoxic tumors are associated with poor disease control and increased resistance to cytotoxic and radiation treatment. In vivo imaging of hypoxia, perfusion, and mismatch of metabolism and perfusion has the potential to identify specific features of tumor microenvironment associated with poor treatment outcome and, thus, contribute to personalized treatment approaches.

AB - Molecular imaging employing PET/CT enables in vivo visualization, characterization, and measurement of biologic processes in tumors at a molecular and cellular level. Using specific metabolic tracers, information about the integrated function of multiple transporters and enzymes involved in tumor metabolic pathways can be depicted, and the tracers can be directly applied as biomarkers of tumor biology. In this review, we discuss the role of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) as an in vivo glycolytic marker which reflects alterations of glucose metabolism in cancer cells. This functional molecular imaging technique offers a complementary approach to anatomic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has found widespread application as a diagnostic modality in oncology to monitor tumor biology, optimize the therapeutic management, and guide patient care. Moreover, emerging methods for PET imaging of further biologic processes relevant to cancer are reviewed, with a focus on tumor hypoxia and aberrant tumor perfusion. Hypoxic tumors are associated with poor disease control and increased resistance to cytotoxic and radiation treatment. In vivo imaging of hypoxia, perfusion, and mismatch of metabolism and perfusion has the potential to identify specific features of tumor microenvironment associated with poor treatment outcome and, thus, contribute to personalized treatment approaches.

KW - Fluorodeoxyglucose F18

KW - Humans

KW - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

KW - Metabolic Networks and Pathways

KW - Molecular Imaging

KW - Neoplasms

KW - Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

KW - Positron-Emission Tomography

KW - Radiopharmaceuticals

KW - Tumor Microenvironment

KW - Journal Article

KW - Review

U2 - 10.1007/978-3-319-42118-6_8

DO - 10.1007/978-3-319-42118-6_8

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 27557539

VL - 207

SP - 177

EP - 205

JO - Recent Results Cancer Res

JF - Recent Results Cancer Res

SN - 0080-0015

ER -