Uses for P.E.T. in diagnosis and treatment of cancer

• Initial tumor staging
• Determine response to therapy
• Diagnosis of postoperative recurrence
• Determine best location for biopsy
• Differentiate radiation necrosis from new brain tumor

Example Case Studies

• Lymphoma
• Sarcoma
• Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Brain Tumor
• Head/Neck Cancer
• Esophageal
• Colon Cancer
• Melanoma

How is an Oncology P.E.T. study performed?

PET can be used to see tumor; determine response to radiation and/or chemotherapy; diagnose recurrence after surgery; decide the best area for a biopsy and to differentiate radiation necrosis from new tumor. Depending on the patient's diagnoses, oral or IV CT contrast may be administered. The technologist will give a small, safe quantity of [18F]FDG. Since rapidly growing tumors utilize glucose (which is a type of sugar), the PET study is used to locate potential areas of high [18F]FDG collection or uptake, which are indicative of tumor growth. After the injection the patient will be required to lay as motionless as possible for 20 minutes. At this time the peak [18F]FDG uptake will take place. PET scanning begins approximately 90 minutes after injection. The scan will be performed on either a PET/CT camera, or PET only camera. The distribution of the [18F]FDG radiotracer is read by a nuclear medicine physician. Results will be made available to the patient's referring physician.

National Cancer Information Websites

• Call the National Center Institute's Cancer Information Service:

  1-800-4-Cancer (1-800-422-6237) or 1-800-332-8615(for hearing impaired)

• Visit the National Center Institute's Web sites:

  http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov

  This site provides comprehensive clinical trials information

  http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo

  This site provides accurate cancer information including the Physicians Data Query (PDQ) The PDQ is the National Cancer Institute's comprehensive cancer database. It cantains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, and supportive care; a registry of about 1,700 open and 10,300 closed cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians genetic counselors, and organizations that provide cancer care. 

What the patient needs to know

• Nothing by mouth for 6 hours before appointment except water with medication
• Patient will need IV
• Catheter may be necessary for imaging of the pelvis
• Scanning time is 1-2 hours
• Total time in P.E.T. Imaging Center is 2-3 hours
• No after effects from injection or imaging
• May return to normal activity immediately after P.E.T. scan is completed
• P.E.T. nurse will call patient the day before the scan to answer questions concerning the procedure

PET is located in the lower level of Pappajohn Pavilion across from elevator I. Call 319-356-4101 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday to schedule a P.E.T. study.More Scheduling Information

Other Types Of Imaging Done at PET

Heart Disease

Brain Imaging