FDG PET/CT combines metabolic imaging with CT. The tracer behaves similarly to glucose, allowing areas of increased glucose metabolism to become visible. German university nuclear-medicine departments use it for defined oncology indications such as staging or treatment-response assessment in suitable cancers.
Cancer type matters
Charité notes that FDG PET is particularly useful in several tumor groups, including lung cancer, lymphoma, melanoma and head-and-neck tumors. A specialist should decide whether FDG is the correct tracer for the specific diagnosis.
Common oncology questions
Freiburg lists oncology FDG PET/CT for evaluation of suspicious findings, initial staging and treatment or follow-up assessment in known malignancy. The scan should therefore be tied to a concrete clinical question.
Preparation affects image quality
Freiburg instructs oncology PET/CT patients to fast for at least six hours and highlights blood-glucose management, especially in people using insulin or other diabetes medicines. Preparation instructions must be confirmed with the imaging center before travel.
Bring prior imaging for comparison
Useful records include pathology, staging summaries, prior CT/MRI/PET images, treatment dates and the most recent oncology report. Prior images should be available in original DICOM format when possible.
Do not book a PET/CT without a downstream plan
Ask who will review the scan and whether the result will be integrated into oncology decision-making. A technically excellent scan is less useful if the treating team does not have the pathology and prior imaging needed to interpret it in context.
Official sources
Sources last checked 2026-08-29. Diagnostic indications and preparation requirements can change, so confirm current instructions with the imaging center before travelling.