ABSTRACT
Positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) has become a routine imaging modality in body oncology and is particularly well suited for the management of patients with lung cancer. Current clinical applications of PET-CT in patients with lung cancer include evaluation of indeterminate pulmonary nodules, initial staging of lung cancer, restaging of lung cancer following treatment, and radiation therapy planning. Contemporary PET-CT scanners allow comprehensive diagnostic PET and CT imaging in a single imaging session. Interpretation and reporting of PET-CT examinations of patients with lung cancer require a thorough and integrated approach taking advantage of the anatomic and metabolic information.
Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Multimodal Imaging , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Patient Care Planning , Radionuclide Imaging , RadiopharmaceuticalsABSTRACT
This article covers positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan protocols for radiation therapy planning purposes and therapy response assessment. For radiation therapy planning PET-CT scans, protocols used will depend on the intended use of the PET-CT images in the radiation therapy planning. In general scans are performed on a flat radiation therapy pallet with the patient in the treatment position or closely approximating the treatment position. PET-CT protocols used in radiation therapy planning are typically otherwise very similar to diagnostic protocols. An important component in PET-CT imaging performed for therapy monitoring and assessment is consistency in patient preparation, image acquisition, and imaging processing of the baseline scan and subsequent therapy assessment scans.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography/methods , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Prognosis , Radiopharmaceuticals , Respiratory-Gated Imaging Techniques/methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of the primary considerations of positron emission tomography-computed tomographic (PET-CT) workflows specifically related to patient and image data management in radiation therapy (RT) planning and therapy response assessment. PET-CT has become increasingly integral to the RT planning and therapy response assessment. There are numerous workflow challenges related to integrating PET-CT in the framework of RT planning and therapy assessment. For PET-CT scan used for RT planning, accurate patient positioning and scan registration with the simulation is critical. For therapy assessment PET-CT scans, consistency in patient preparation, scanning and image reconstruction parameters, and image analysis are critical.
Subject(s)
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods , Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Patient Positioning/methods , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Humans , Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Quality Assurance, Health Care/methods , Radiology Information Systems , Respiratory-Gated Imaging Techniques/methods , Safety , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This article reviews the major considerations involved in optimizing positron emission tomography-computed tomographic (PET-CT) workflows including patient management and specific acquisition, processing, and archiving procedures. Due to the dual modality nature of PET-CT and the needs of the patients typically undergoing these examinations, there is a high level of patient contact and interaction with the technologists and ancillary personnel. Each PET-CT scan itself generates a considerable volume of raw image data which must be reconstructed, and the reconstructed images distributed and archived without impeding overall workflow. PET-CT facility design and layout, the procedures for sequencing patients through each phase of the exam, and adequate staffing are important considerations for an efficient and high-quality service.
