PET/CT imaging protocols and safety in cancer diagnosis

PET/CT imaging is a critical tool in oncology for staging cancer, detecting metastasis, and evaluating treatment response by combining metabolic activity data with anatomical details. Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Director of the Oncology Center at Phenikaa University Hospital (PhenikaaMec), emphasizes that the timing of the scan is vital for accurate results.

To avoid inflammation-related errors, specific waiting periods are recommended following medical interventions: at least one week after a biopsy, four weeks after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), six weeks after surgery, and two to three months after radiotherapy.

Regarding safety, the procedure uses a small amount of radioactive tracer, typically 18F-FDG. While this involves ionizing radiation, the tracer has a short half-life of approximately 110 minutes, and about 90% of the radiation is excreted from the body within 6 to 8 hours. Experts note that the diagnostic benefits of the scan generally outweigh the minimal radiation risks when performed under medical supervision.