18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in evaluating treatment response to imatinib or other drugs in gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a systematic review

ObjectiveTo systematically review the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in evaluating treatment response to imatinib or other drugs in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).MethodsA comprehensive literature search of published studies through February 2011 in PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed.ResultsWe identified 19 studies including 628 patients with GIST. Main findings of included studies are presented.Conclusions18F-FDG PET has a significant value in assessing treatment response to imatinib or other drugs in GIST patients. 18F-FDG PET allows an early assessment of treatment response and is a strong predictor of clinical outcome.