[Positron emission tomography in clinical oncology].

A NEW FORM OF MEDICAL IMAGING: Positron emission tomography (PET) is used for the non-invasive in vivo visualisation of biochemical cell processes. It reveals the metabolic characteristics of neoplastic lesions and hence their identification by compensating the lack of lesion specificity of radiological techniques. VARIOUS INDICATIONS: Using the current oncology marker, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), excellent results with PET have been established at all stages of neoplasia, notably for the diagnosis of initial malignancy and the identification of residual lesions and early detection of relapses.

[Interest in 18-FDG positron emission tomography in radiotherapy planning: example of lung cancer radiotherapy].

18 FDG positon emission tomography provides metabolic images and allows better local and metastatic staging than radiologic methods. A best cartography of node involvement and a best delineation of the tumor zone should allow an optimal radiotherapy. Lung cancer is a good example of the interest of this new method.

[Positron emission tomography in head and neck oncology: five cases].

FDG-PET (18-fluoro-desoxyglucose positron emission tomography) is a fonctionnal imaging method based on the high rate of glycolysis in different types of cancer-cells. We report the first five cases where FDG-PET was used in France for head and neck cancers. The results were analyzed on the basis of data reported to date in the literature, leading to a proposal for rational use of this diagnostic available in only a few centers in France.

[Positron emission tomography in thoracic radiography].

The optimisation of the field of irradiation is the aim of the radiotherapist. Pet-Scan provides information revealing a better cartography of node involvement and allowing a better delineation of the tumour zone. In the follow-up of irradiated patients, PET-Scan provides information on the nature of residual lesions and a possible recurrence.