The emerging role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the management of photon radiotherapy-induced vasculitis in head and neck cancer patients

Abstract Purpose While radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) has made recent strides, RT-induced vasculitis continues to adversely affect long-term patient outcomes. Guidelines managing this complication remain scarce, supporting the need a sensitive imaging modality in post-treatment evaluations. In review, we discuss current literature regarding 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) F-sodium fluoride (NaF-PET) evaluating HNC patients, highlighting several arenas of evolving clinical significance: (1) early recognition standardized evaluation vasculitis, (2) potential multifaceted diagnostic tool stratify cardiovascular risk patients. Methods Numerous databases, including, but not limited to, Google Scholar PubMed, were utilized compile body PET related malignancies. Results Multiple studies have established capabilities FDG-PET/computed (FDG-PET/CT) detection management while NaF-PET/CT remains under investigation. Inflammatory vascular stages may be best analyzed by FDG-PET/CT, microcalcification atherosclerotic disease supplementally assessed unique properties NaF-PET/CT. With these modalities detecting primary more detrimental complications, carry advantages over conventional, structural techniques. Conclusion FDG-PET/CT hold significant as preliminary tools monitoring inflammation plaque development, warranting further research attention. Applying techniques context foster proactive consistent assessments mitigating risks through better-informed treatment decisions.