What Is PET-BT? Why Is It So Important in Cancer, and When Is It Used?

An advanced oncology imaging method, PET-BT, is frequently used to identify lesions suspicious for cancer, determine spread after diagnosis, and assess treatment response. Indeed, the best radiological indicator of response to cancer treatment is PET-BT. We will explain this subject together with the nuclear medicine and radiology specialist and Head of Molecular Imaging and Molecular Treatment at Antalya Memorial-Medstar Cancer Center, Prof. Dr. Akın Yıldız .

The key difference between cancer cells and normal cells is their rapid, uncontrolled proliferation. Highly active cells also have different energy needs. If we can visualize substances they use (sugar, protein, and certain special building blocks), we can locate cancerous tissues in living organisms. PET-BT scanners work on this principle.

In the first infographic below, you can find examples of PET-BT uses in cancer and non-cancer diseases:

When needed, the examination can be performed in all age groups except pregnant women

Using this examination directly for cancer screening is not an accepted approach. Following national and international scientific authorities’ recommendations maximizes benefit and prevents unnecessary use.

PET-BT preparation and examination take approximately 2 hours. Staying away from pregnant women and children for 6 hours afterward prevents unnecessary radiation exposure for them.

In the 2. infographic below, notable PET-BT examples can be seen:

Manage preferences to view external content

Manage preferences to view external content

Like all imaging methods, PET-BT should not be performed unnecessarily. Increasingly, healthy people request it because of cancer fears. Its use for this purpose has been investigated, particularly by Japanese scientists, and comprehensive population screening studies found it would not provide guidance. PET-BT should be requested by specialist physicians. You should not pursue it without your doctor’s opinion. 

*

- Which Imaging (Radiology) Tests Are Used in Cancer?

- An Excellent Treatment Response Won Oncology’s Best Image Award for 2018