PET imaging of tumor vascular normalization in hepatocellular carcinoma.

With the increase of tumor perfusion and oxygenation during tumor vascular normalization, the hypoxia imaging signal weakens. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a vascular tumor characterized by hypervascularity and marked vascular abnormalities. [ SP 18 sp F]Fluoromisonidazole ([ SP 18 sp F]FMISO) PET, a noninvasive technique for imaging of hypoxia, could determine the function of tumor blood vessels after anti-angiogenic therapy and help to determine the ideal regimen required for normalization [[18]]. There are differences in the vasculature and microenvironment of primary tumor grafts and subcutaneous tumor xenografts [[16]]. [Extracted from the article]