How can we tell if PET imaging for cancer is cost effective?

摘要

Molecular imaging with ~(18）F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET), and more recently with PET-CT, provides accurate and detailed information on the extent and response to treatment for many common cancers. Despite its superiority over conventional imaging, FDG-PET availability and funding vary widely between developed countries. Different health-care providers reach widely different conclusions about the use of expensive PET scans to replace or supplement cheaper conventional imaging for common indications.