Advancements and Future Outlook of PET/CT-Guided Interventions

Abstract

Advancements in minimally invasive technology, coupled with imaging breakthroughs, have empowered the field of interventional radiology to achieve unparalleled precision in image-guided diagnosis and treatment while simultaneously reducing periprocedural morbidity. Molecular imaging, which provides valuable physiological and metabolic information alongside anatomical localization, can expand the capabilities of image-guided interventions. Among various molecular imaging techniques, positron emission tomography (PET) stands out for its superior spatial resolution and ability to acquire quantitative data. PET has emerged as a crucial tool for oncologic imaging and plays a pivotal role in both staging and the assessment of treatment responses. Typically used in combination with computed tomography (CT) (PET/CT) and occasionally with magnetic resonance imaging MRI (PET/MRI), PET as a hybrid imaging approach offers enhanced insights into disease progression and response. In recent years, PET has also found its way into image-guided interventions, especially within the rapidly expanding field of interventional oncology. This review aims to explore the current and evolving role of metabolic imaging, specifically PET, in interventional oncology. By delving into the unique advantages and applications of PET in guiding oncological interventions and assessing response, we seek to highlight the increasing significance of this modality in the realm of interventional radiology.