18F-FDG PET/CT in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours: Insights and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) arevery rare, aggressive soft-tissue neoplasms developing from and involving the peripheral nerve sheath. MPNSTs are difficult to diagnose and treat and they contribute to significant morbidity and mortality for patients. 18F-FDGPET/CT is valuable in diagnosing and staging as well as guiding therapeutic interventions, especially therapy response assessment in MPNST. As the incidence is very low, a valid statement at this point with respect to its role in patient management and optimal care is not defined.The current review will venture to use the available literature to define a role of this modality in the various aspects of management of MPNST.Keywords: 18F-FDG PET/CT; Malignant peripheral nervesheath tumours; PET/CT; neurofibromatosis; soft-tissuesarcoma