Value of 11C-Methionine PET Imaging in High-Grade Gliomas: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract 11C-Methionine (MET) is a widely utilized amino acid tracer in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of primary brain tumors. 11C-MET PET offers valuable insights for tumor classification, facilitates treatment planning, and aids in monitoring therapeutic response. Its tracer properties allow better delineation of the active tumor volume, even in regions that show no contrast enhancement on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This review focuses on the role of MET-PET in brain glioma imaging. The introduction provides a brief clinical overview of the problems of high-grade and recurrent gliomas. It discusses glioma management, radiotherapy planning, and the difficulties of imaging after chemoradiotherapy (pseudoprogression or radionecrosis). The mechanism of MET-PET is described. Additionally, the review encompasses the application of MET-PET in the context of primary gliomas, addressing its diagnostic precision, utility in tumor classification, prognostic value, and role in guiding biopsy procedures and radiotherapy planning.

Keywords: 11C-MET; hybrid imaging; PET/CT; multimodal imaging; glioma; high-grade glioma