FDG PET-CT for solitary pulmonary nodule and lung cancer: Literature review

Abstract

The investigation of solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has rapidly become one of the main indications for ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), currently combined with computed tomography (PET-CT). In this literature review, we first attempt to clarify how PET imaging contributes to investigating SPN, in conjunction with conventional CT. We highlight the prospects of research underway to improve our understanding of SPN. In the second part of this review, we analyze the current role of PET-CT in the overall care process for lung cancer. We review the indications for which consensus has been reached, for example initial staging, as well as new indications such as radiation therapy planning or prognostic assessment.

Keywords: FDG; Lung cancer; PET-CT; Prognosis; Solitary pulmonary nodule.