PET–CT is important for the staging of disease, but also in detecting mechanisms of resistance at the molecular level. In combination with tracers, these imaging modalities can delineate the underlying processes of resistance, such as tumor-cell proliferation, hypoxia, and vascular density. The authors of this Review discuss how the use of various tracers makes it possible to predict outcome and monitor response to treatment. By selecting patients on the basis of their mechanism of resistance, it should be possible to avoid the rejection of treatment options by assessing individuals rather than a population as a whole.
- Johan Bussink
- Johannes H. A. M. Kaanders
- Wim J. G. Oyen
