Role of PET gamma detection in radioguided surgery: a systematic review

Abstract Purpose This systematic review aimed to collect published studies concerning intraoperative gamma detection of positron-emitting tracers for radioguided surgery (RGS) applications. Methods A literature search until October 2022 was performed in Pubmed, Web Of Science, Central (Cochrane Library) and Scopus databases, including the following keywords: “Positron Emission Tomography” OR “PET” AND “Gamma” “ γ ” “Probe” “Radioguided Surgery” “RGS”. The included had concern RGS procedures at least 3 patients, regardless administered radiopharmaceutical field application. Results Among 17 selected studies, all between 2000 2022, only 2 investigations were conducted with gallium-68 ( 68 Ga)-labeled somatostatin analogues, fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose ([ 18 F]FDG) being most commonly used agent Almost oncologic one paper also inflammatory infectious findings. analysis showed that largest part through use conventional probes, not specifically designed annihilation photons n = 9), followed by PET probes 5) three involving electronic collimation. Conclusions Regardless devices, positron emitters seems lead significant improvements surgeons’ ability obtain a complete resection tumors, even if nature resulting from positron–electron collision still remains extremely challenging requires further technical advances.