This book provides a contemporary reference to the science, technology and clinical applications of PET and PET/CT. The book is designed to be used by residents and fellows training in medical imaging specialties as well as imaging experts in private or academic practice who need to become familiar with this technology and its applications. It is also for use by those whose specialties carry over to PET and PET/CT, referring physicians such as oncologists, cardiologists, neurologists and surgeons.

Developed as an offshoot/update of the "clinical practice" portion of the main book, edited by PE Valk et al, published in 2003 (Positron Emission Tomography: basic science and clinical practice), this offshoot covers the second half of the main book only, dealing with mainly the clinical research and practice. Most of the book comprises chapters updated from the "Clinical practice" portion of the main Valk book. It contains 6 brand new chapters and 22 completely revised and updated chapters from the main Valk book.

Essential for students, science and medical graduates who want to understand the basic science of Positron Emission Tomography (PET), this book describes the physics, chemistry, technology and overview of the clinical uses behind the science of PET and the imaging techniques it uses. In recent years, PET has moved from high-end research imaging tool used by the highly specialized to an essential component of clinical evaluation in the clinic, especially in cancer management. Previously being the realm of scientists, this book explains PET instrumentation, radiochemistry, PET data acquisition and image formation, integration of structural and functional images, radiation dosimetry and protection, and applications in dedicated areas such as drug development, oncology, and gene expression imaging. The technologist, the science, engineering or chemistry graduate seeking further detailed information about PET, or the medical advanced trainee wishing to gain insight into the basic science of PET will find this book invaluable.

This book is primarily repackaged content from the Basic Science section of the 'big' Valk book on PET. It contains new, completely revised and unchanged chapters covering the "basic sciences" section of the main book - total 18 chapters:

• 2 new (chapters 1, 16)
• 8 completely revised (chapters 4, 5, 8, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18)
• 3 minor corrections (chapters 2, 6, 11)
• 5 unchanged (chapters 3, 7, 9, 10, 12)

A comprehensive and contemporary reference work covering the basic science and clinical applications of positron emission tomography. This book reflects the tremendous increase in interest in PET as both a clinical and research imaging modality in the past 10 years. Written by experts in the field and edited by those involved in PET development, and training of scientists and medical specialists. Positron Emission Tomography - basic science and clinical practice thoroughly explains the principles, clinical applications and economic aspects of PET today. Chapters go into detail on PET applications in oncology, the central nervous system, cardio-respiratory systems, infectious diseases and pediatrics. Discussions are also found on technology design and evaluation, PET in drug discovery and development in imaging gene expression and therapy. Peter E. Valk MB BS FRACP is based in the Northern California PET Imaging Center, Sacramento, CA USA, Dale L. Bailey PhD FIPEM ARCP is based in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Guy's Hospital, London UK, David W. Townsend PhD is based in the Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA, Michael N. Maisey MD FRCP FRCR is Professor at the Department of Radiological Sciences, Guy's Hospital, London UK.