Ritesh Kumar, Ahmed Shalaby, Lakshmi Rekha Narra, Shivani Gokhale, Matthew P Deek, Salma K Jabbour
PET Clin . 2025 Feb 13:S1556-8598(25)00004-5. doi: 10.1016/j.cpet.2025.01.004. Online ahead of print.
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) plays a critical role in managing gastrointestinal (GI) cancers within radiation oncology. It enhances tumor detection, staging, and lymph node involvement assessment, leading to better-targeted radiation treatment. PET/CT also aids in delineating tumor volumes to minimize geographic misses, enabling precise dose escalation to metabolically active regions. Despite its benefits, PET/CT has limitations such as false positives and dependency on complementary imaging. Emerging technologies offer real-time adjustments and personalized treatments, advancing precision medicine in GI radiation oncology. Further research is needed to refine PET/CT integration for improved treatment outcomes and cost-effectiveness.