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Translation of PET radiotracers and innovative analysis methods to the clinic in the era of total body PET

Adriana Tavares nuclear medicine PET radiotracers

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and future potential of PET imaging, particularly in the context of total body PET technology. PET has evolved dramatically since its inception in the 1950s, advancing from basic scanners to sophisticated total body PET systems. These innovations, alongside the development of more selective radiotracers, have significantly enhanced the precision and scope of molecular imaging. While 18F-FDG remains widely used, its non-specificity has driven the creation of targeted tracers.

Recent breakthroughs in radiotracer production, such as compact, 3D-printed synthesisers and automated quality control, are enabling decentralised, personalised PET imaging. Total body PET scanners further support this shift by allowing lower doses and broader tracer use.

Clinically, PET is expanding beyond cancer to systemic disease analysis. Automated kinetic modelling now makes multiparametric analysis feasible, unlocking the clinical potential of research tracers. Moreover, network analysis of PET data reveals systemic disease patterns, offering better prognostic tools than traditional SUV metrics.

The article introduces the concept of the ‘radiotracer iceberg’, where many promising tracers remain underutilised. Total body PET technology is poised to bring these into routine clinical use, transforming PET from a primarily qualitative tool into a powerful, data-rich diagnostic platform.

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