Different Types of Imaging Scans: PET/CT Scans

In June 2024, we provided an overview of the different types of imaging scans you may receive if you have MBC. Then we began a deeper dive into each scan, starting with MRI scans in July 2024. We now continue our series by highlighting positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scans.

A PET scan is an imaging test that uses a radioactive substance called a tracer that can look for and attach to cancer cells. Two commonly used tracers are fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and fluoroestradiol (FES). A CT scan produces body pictures created by X-ray energy. These two scans are often combined. A PET/CT scan can see sites of metastasis throughout the body, although an FES PET/CT scan cannot be used to look for cancer in the liver.

Participating in a clinical trial that is studying imaging scans may be an opportunity to get a scan you might otherwise not get because of considerations such as insurance or a non-standard use for the scan.

Read below to learn more about what CT and PET scans are, how PET/CT scans are used in MBC, and for clinical trials studying these scans in people with MBC.

Introduction to CT Scans and PET Scans

• American Cancer Society: A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, uses X-rays to create a detailed picture of the inside of the body
• Breastcancer.org: PET scans use a radioactive tracer to create images of places in the body where cancer may be

PET/CT Scans for People with MBC

• OncLive: Dr. Sophia Rose O‘Brien explains how the PET tracers FDG and FES are used to understand more about a patient’s MBC

MBC Clinical Trials

• Metastatic Trial Search: Trials for Imaging

• Category: From the Experts
• Tag: Clinical Trial Terms, From the Experts, Navigating Cancer Care