Two commonly used metabolic imaging tests for brain cancer

There are two commonly used metabolic imaging tests for brain cancer, namely PET/CT and MRS. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis of brain cancer.

PET/CT

PET/CT, also known as positron emission/computed tomography, mainly uses radioactive isotopes to determine the metabolic status of lesions. The tracers currently used internationally are mainly FDG, MET and FLT, while the first or two are currently used domestically. PET/CT is of certain significance in determining whether a tumor is benign or malignant, determining the residual status of a tumor, and distinguishing tumor recurrence from radionecrosis. The biggest advantage of this examination method is that it can perform a whole-body scan at the same time, and it is of high value in the diagnosis of brain metastases. Its disadvantage is that it requires the use of radioactive isotopes and is relatively expensive.

MRS, also known as magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is a method that uses magnetic resonance to conduct non-invasive research on metabolism, biochemical changes and quantitative analysis of compounds in living organ tissues. It is currently mainly used in the diagnosis of brain diseases. The indicators of metabolic detection mainly include: ① NAA level is a sign of normal neurons; ② Cho level is a sign of increased membrane transport or increased cell density; ③ Cr level is a marker of energy metabolism; ④ Lac level is a product of anaerobic metabolism.

Its advantage is that it has certain clinical significance in judging the metabolic status of lesions by detecting changes in these biochemical indicators, especially in distinguishing glioma recurrence from radiation necrosis, and malignant tumors from inflammation. However, its disadvantage is that the examination time is relatively long, and many magnetic resonance imaging machines are not equipped with corresponding system software, so MRS examination cannot be performed with magnetic resonance imaging.