Metabolic-mapping of normative metabolism in FDG-PET

Medical researchers are creating a database to map normal body metabolism using a cutting-edge imaging technique called FDG-PET. This technology helps doctors see how cells use sugar, a key indicator of health and disease. Typically used to detect cancers, this study will use FDG-PET scans from healthy individuals to establish a baseline of "normal" metabolism, factoring in differences like age, gender, and body type. The database will include scans from 900 healthy individuals, with some having multiple scans over time. By comparing these healthy data with scans from cancer patients, researchers aim to uncover patterns that show how diseases disrupt normal metabolism. This could improve how diseases are diagnosed and treated, helping doctors provide more personalized care. The project brings together experts in imaging, biology, and data analysis from Japan and Austria, using data from advanced PET/CT scans. The work has the potential to advance our understanding of complex diseases and enhance medical imaging tools to better serve patients worldwide.