A Critical Review of PET Tracers Used for Brain Tumor Imaging

The brain is a common site for metastases as well as primary tumors. Although evaluation of these malignancies with contrast-enhanced MR imaging defines current clinical practice, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET has shown considerable utility in this area. In addition, many other tracers targeting various aspects of tumor biology have been developed and tested. This article discusses recent developments in PET imaging and the anticipated role of FDG and other tracers in the assessment of brain tumors.