A special scan found tumor that MRI missed
Original title: Volumetric discordance between ¹⁸F-FET-PET/MRI and MRI-based radiotherapy target volumes in high-grade glioma: a prospective pilot study (FETSMaRT).
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was tested in people. That is the most reliable kind of research we share.
This was a small first study in people, and it looked at scans rather than a new treatment.
The short version
A special brain scan showed tumor that a normal MRI did not show.
What was studied. 30 people with grade 3 or grade 4 brain tumor got radiation after surgery. Each had a special scan called FET-PET along with MRI first. The doctor who planned the radiation was not allowed to see the PET scan.
What they found. The PET scan changed the main tumor target in 17 of 30 people. It changed the wider target area in 15 of 30. Targets drawn with the PET scan were bigger than targets drawn with MRI alone.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: A normal MRI may not show every part of a brain tumor. Adding this scan might help doctors aim radiation better. For now, this is only being studied.
What it doesn't mean: This does not mean the scan helps people live longer. The study did not show that. It was a small first study, called a pilot. The authors say a bigger trial is still needed. This scan is not part of normal radiation planning in most places. It is not a cure.
Source: PubMed, October 14, 2026 · Read the original
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