ABSTRACT

The purpose of the current review was to conduct a systemic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to discuss the role of positron emission tomography (PET) or positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) in urinary bladder cancer. PET/CT has a limited role in the detection of urinary system cancers because fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is e xcreted with urine. However removal of F-18 FDG from the bladder with diuretic and oral hydration has a role in the detection and restaging of bladder cancer with PET/CT. Locoregional lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in patients with bladder cancer. The ability to identify metastatic disease preoperatively is of utmost importance in determining treatment. Multimodal treatment, depending on preoperative stage, may improve survival.