Recent developments in urologic oncology: positron emission tomography molecular imaging

Purpose of review Traditional morphologically based imaging modalities in uro-oncology are now being complemented by the functional and molecular imaging technique positron emission tomography (PET). This review highlights the most important recent developments. Recent findings 18 Prostate cancer: PET imaging with the new radiotracers (11)C-choline, (18)F-fluorocholine, and 11 C-acetate show promising results. The role of anti-1-amino-3-F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid remains to be elucidated further. (18)F-fluoride PET is useful for the detection of bone metastases. Bladder cancer: (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT with delayed images after a diuretic and oral hydration may improve detection of locally recurrent or residual bladder tumours. Both (18)F-FDG PET and 11 C-choline PET may be useful for staging of bladder cancer. Renal cancer: (18)F-FDG PET has a role in staging and restaging of the disease. Recently, (124)I-cG250 PET has shown promising results in the detection of clear-cell renal carcinoma. Testicular cancer: (18)F-FDG PET is useful in staging and follow-up after treatment. There are no important recent developments with new radiopharmaceuticals in testicular cancer. Summary The utility of PET molecular imaging in uro-oncology expanded due to the new metabolic PET tracers with more favourable properties.