Current trends in imaging of non-small cell lung cancer

With an increasing understanding of molecular tumor biology in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), molecular imaging has gained importance. Complementary to the anatomical-morphological imaging techniques of computed tomography and magnetic resonance tomography, positron emission tomography (PET) can provide information about the metabolic activity of malignant lesions. Additionally, with the use of an adequate tracer substance, PET can visualize metabolic changes essential for the success of systemic NSCLC treatment. These changes cannot be captured early on by morphological imaging; however, they may be pivotal for early determination of treatment efficacy. The use of new PET tracers could be a further step toward personalized treatment of NSCLC and could supplement the basic diagnostics for therapy monitoring.