Principles of Tracer Kinetic Analysis in Oncology, Part II :Examples and Future Directions

Kinetic analysis of dynamic PET imaging enables the estimation of biologic processes relevant to disease. Through mathematic analysis of the interactions of a radiotracer with tissue, information can be gleaned from PET imaging beyond static uptake measures. Part I of this 2-part continuing education paper reviewed the underlying princi-ples and methodology of kinetic modeling. In this second part, the benefits of kinetic modeling for oncologic imaging are illustrated through representative case examples that demonstrate the principles and benefits of kinetic analysis in oncology. Examples of the model types discussed in part I are reviewed here: a 1-tissue-compartment model (O-15-water), an irreversible 2-tissue-compartment model (F-18-FDG), and a reversible 2-tissue-compartment model (3'-deoxy-3'-F-18-fluorothymidine). Kinetic approaches are contrasted with static uptake measures typically used in the clinic. Overall, this 2-part review provides the reader with background in kinetic analysis to understand related research and improve the interpretation of clinical nuclear medicine studies with a focus on oncologic imaging.

Automated summary

Kinetic analysis in dynamic PET imaging allows estimation of biologic processes related to disease, going beyond static uptake measures. This two-part continuing education paper reviews principles and methodology of kinetic modeling in part I and showcases benefits of kinetic modeling in oncologic imaging through case examples in part II.