PET/MR hybrid imaging of cervical and endometrial cancer

Integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) is a recently developed imaging modality that can provide simultaneous PET and MRI data in a single examination. MRI has high soft tissue contrast and is an excellent tool for evaluating local disease in patients with cervical and endometrial cancers, whereas positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is more useful for detecting extrauterine spread. As it combines the strengths of both PET and MRI and reduces radiation exposure from the CT component of PET/CT, PET/MRI represents a promising tool for evaluating cervical and endometrial cancers. In addition, PET/MRI can also serve as a functional imaging platform to provide quantitative imaging biomarkers derived from PET and functional MRI techniques. These imaging biomarkers can then be used to assess treatment response and they have been shown to have prognostic significance. This review article summarizes recent developments in the application of PET/MRI in cervical and endometrial cancers, and emphasizes its benefit as a one-stop, comprehensive imaging modality.