Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.11:
Neuro-oncologic FDG-PET images.
experiments can be performed repeatedly without sacrificing the small labora-
tory animals, such as mice and rats. This is not possible with
in vitro
tests which
involve sacrifice of the animal at a specified time after radiotracer injection and
preclude the kinetics of the radiotracer to be studied in the same animal. The
greater flexibility in producing natural labeled probes for imaging on a macro-
scopic level in PET has raised the possibility of in vivo imaging on a cellular
or genetic level. Recent advances in this field appear promising, particularly in
the imaging of gene expression. Progress is being made and PET is expected to
assume a pivotal role in the development of new genetic markers [108].
Figure 2.12:
Whole-body coronal FDG-PET images.
