PET/CT in leukemia: utility and future directions

2-Deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose PET/computed tomography ([F-18]FDG PET/CT) has proven to be a sensitive method for the detection and evaluation of hematologic malignancies, especially lymphoma. The increasing incidence and mortality rates of leukemia have raised significant concerns. Through the utilization of whole-body imaging, [F-18]FDG PET/CT provides a thorough assessment of the entire bone marrow, complementing the limited insights provided by biopsy samples. In this regard, [F-18]FDG PET/CT has the ability to assess diverse types of leukemia The utilization of [F-18]FDG PET/CT has been found to be effective in evaluating leukemia spread beyond the bone marrow, tracking disease relapse, identifying Richter's transformation, and assessing the inflammatory activity associated with acute graft versus host disease. However, its role in various clinical scenarios in leukemia remains unacknowledged. Despite their less common use, some novel PET/CT radiotracers are being researched for potential use in specific scenarios in leukemia patients. Therefore, the objectives of this review are to provide a thorough assessment of the current applications of [F-18]FDG PET/CT in the staging and monitoring of leukemia patients, as well as the potential for an expanding role of PET/CT in leukemia patients.