Applications of FDG-PET Imaging in the Management of Patients with Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumors.

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET), particularly when fused with computed tomography (CT) or MRI, has become an essential component in the oncologic evaluation of hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. These tumors collectively represent some of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat, often presenting at advanced stages with dismal prognosis. FDG PET exploits the upregulated glycolytic activity of tumor cells, offering functional characterization that complements and frequently surpasses the capabilities of anatomical imaging. This review focuses on the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment and treatment of hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies.