Current and Future Use of Long Axial Field-of-View Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scanners in Clinical Oncology
Mostafa Roya, Samaneh Mostafapour, Philipp Mohr, Laura Providência, Z. Li, Johannes H. van Snick, Adrienne H. Brouwers, Walter Noordzij, Antoon T. M. Willemsen, Rudi Dierckx, Adriaan A. Lammertsma, Andor W.J.M. Glaudemans, Charalampos Tsoumpas, Riemer H. J. A. Slart, Joyce van Sluis
Abstract
The latest technical development in the field of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging has been the extension of the PET axial field-of-view. As a result of the increased number of detectors, the long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET systems are not only characterized by a larger anatomical coverage but also by a substantially improved sensitivity, compared with conventional short axial field-of-view PET systems. In clinical practice, this innovation has led to the following optimization: (1) improved overall image quality, (2) decreased duration of PET examinations, (3) decreased amount of radioactivity administered to the patient, or (4) a combination of any of the above. In this review, novel applications of LAFOV PET in oncology are highlighted and future directions are discussed.