18F-FDG PET/CT in GIST treatment response evaluation beyond Imatinib

Hell J Nucl Med. 2021 Sep-Dec;24(3):239-246. doi: 10.1967/s002449912407. Epub 2021 Dec 17.

Abstract

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) represents a reliable promising tool in treatment response evaluation of new therapies beyond Imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). This narrative review aims to discuss the literature about the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT in evaluating response in new tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and radiotherapy (RT) in GIST patients. A comprehensive literature search was performed to retrieve original studies published on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Eighteen studies including 382 patients with GIST were selected. Main findings of included studies are presented. Fluorine-18-FDG PET/CT may enhance performance in GIST management providing significant information in evaluation of treatment response and representing a strong predictor of clinical outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors* / diagnostic imaging
  • Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate / therapeutic use
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Imatinib Mesylate