Interpretation of the Consensus of Oncological 18F-FDG Total-Body PET/CT Imaging

On April 22nd, 2019, the world’s first total-body positron emission tomography–computed tomography (TB PET/CT) imaging system, uEXPLORER, was installed at Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University. The primary challenge faced by the team, as the first scientific research and clinical application institution to receive this system, was how to maximize the excellent physical performance advantages of this innovative device, fully utilize its application potential, and reasonably expand its applicable fields. Professor Shi Hongcheng, Director of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, led the investigation and delved deeper into unfamiliar fields, ranging from clinical validation to scientific investigation and to clinical utilization and promotion. The team’s research on image quality, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical feasibility of the device has laid the foundation for the formulation of optimal examination schemes for different clinical application scenarios. Moreover, with the continuous iteration of clinical practice experience, a complete set of operating specifications for TB PET/CT tumor imaging has been formed. Additionally, the team has focused on the characteristics of the equipment, such as low dose, rapid scanning, and dynamic imaging, and conducted a wide range of scientific research. As a result, nearly 20 papers have been published in top journals in the field of imaging medicine, such as the Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM), European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (EJNMMI), European Radiology and Chinese Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Journal, thus laying a solid foundation for the formation of expert consensus. The use of TB PET/CT in China is increasing and its clinical applications are becoming more widespread; therefore, it is essential to share the research and clinical application experience and achievements of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital with the industry to promote the standardized clinical application of TB PET/CT and benefit the majority of patients. In January 2021, Professor Shi Hongcheng suggested that an expert consensus should be drafted by nuclear medicine experts from various TB PET/CT application institutions in China, who reacted positively and began to organize a team. This would allow them to share their clinical research and exploratory clinical application experience and achievements of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital with the industry, standardize the clinical application of TB PET/CT, and ultimately benefit most patients.