Positron emission tomography and colorectal cancer

Accepted 30 April 2010. published online 12 July 2010.
Corrected Proof

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) is now an integral part of multidisciplinary cancer care. In this review, we discuss the role of PET in CRC including well established indications in the assessment of recurrent disease and emerging applications such as initial staging, monitoring therapy efficacy and using PET for radiotherapy planning. With rapid advancement in imaging technology, we also discuss the future potential of combining PET and magnetic resonance imaging and the use of novel radiotracers.

Keywords: Positron emission tomography, PET, FDG, Colorectal cancer, Oncology, Therapy response

a Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia

b University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

c South Western Sydney Colorectal Tumour Group, Sydney South West Area Health Service, Sydney, Australia

d Department of Radiation Oncology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia

e Department of Medical Oncology, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia

f Department of Colorectal Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Corresponding author at: Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, 1 Elizabeth Drive, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9828 3515; fax: +61 2 9828 3529.

PII: S1040-8428(10)00119-8

doi:10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.04.011