PET and MR Imaging of Brain Tumors

A better understanding of tumorigenesis is crucial for the development of specific molecular therapies that specifically target the neoplasm and reduce patient morbidity and mortality. PET measures a wide range of physiologic processes critical for understanding the pathophysiology of brain neoplasms with high sensitivity. Continuous developments in PET provide new insights into the diagnosis, classification, and pathophysiology of brain neoplasms. As such, PET has played an increasingly important role in the staging of brain neoplasms, image-guided therapy planning, and treatment monitoring. This article addresses the most commonly used agents in PET imaging of brain tumors.