Biology of Cancer and PET Imaging: Pictorial Review

Abstract

Development and spread of cancer is a multistep and complex process that involves a number of alterations, interactions, and molecular networks. PET imaging is closely related to cancer biology and pathology, as it uses various radiotracers targeting biologic and pathologic changes in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this review article, the biology of the development and spread of cancer and the role of PET imaging in oncology are summarized and supported by various PET images demonstrating patterns of cancer spread.