Novel Tracers and Radionuclides in PET Imaging

Radiol Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;59(5):887-918. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2021.05.012.

Abstract

The use of PET imaging agents in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease shows the power of this technique in evaluating the molecular and biological characteristics of numerous diseases. These agents provide crucial information for designing therapeutic strategies for individual patients. Novel PET tracers are in continual development and many have potential use in clinical and research settings. This article discusses the potential applications of tracers in diagnostics, the biological characteristics of diseases, the ability to provide prognostic indicators, and using this information to guide treatment strategies including monitoring treatment efficacy in real time to improve outcomes and survival.

Keywords: Cardiology; Neurodegenerative disease; Novel PET tracers; Oncology; PET imaging; Personalized medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / trends*
  • Precision Medicine / trends*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals