Positron emission tomography (PET) is a cutting-edge molecular imaging technique that tracks biological processes in the body. It provides high-resolution images and allows precise measurement of organ and tissue function. PET is widely used in neurology, oncology, and cardiology, and its applications in other areas of medicine continue to grow. It is also a valuable tool for monitoring patient progress during treatment.

PET works by detecting positrons emitted from targeted radiotracers in the body. When these positrons annihilate, they produce photons that are captured by the scanner. These signals are then reconstructed into quantitative images that show biochemical activity at disease sites throughout the body.

Modern PET studies are often combined with computed tomography (CT), producing fused PET/CT images that provide both molecular and anatomical information in a single scan.

Most PET studies use fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess tumor metabolism, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to evaluate prostate cancer, and somatostatin receptor (SSTR) tracers to evaluate neuroendocrine tumors. Many other radiotracers are also used to guide diagnosis and monitor treatment across a wide range of diseases.

Our Mission

Our mission is to lead in the discovery, development, and clinical application of PET agents and imaging methods, advancing care that is person-centered, equitable and widely accessible.

About The Johns Hopkins PET Radiotracer Center

The Johns Hopkins PET radiotracer center has been in continuous operation since installation of our first cyclotron in 1983. It is one of the premier centers for the discovery of new radiotracers, implementation of promising new radiotracer discovered elsewhere and for managing patients in our community.

PET is a molecular imaging technique that measures biochemistry noninvasively from preclinical studies in small animals to human beings. The technique works by detecting the annihilation of positrons that occur within living subjects after administration of a positron-emitting radiotracer that is targeted to a specific receptor, transporter, enzyme or antigen. The annihilation photons are detected as they arrive in coincidence at opposite detectors placed around the patient in the scanner. An image is reconstructed from the position of the detected photons as they leave the body creating an image of biochemical activity occurring at the disease site and in the whole body. PET scanning has been a clinically valuable technique for both research and patient management since the 1980s. However, it is only been within the last 20 years that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has reimbursed for clinical PET studies, making them widely available in the US.

Rarely are such advanced PET imaging studies performed alone. Currently, PET is performed in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) that provides anatomic information and the fused molecular and anatomic (CT) images are interpreted together as PET/CT studies. The majority of those studies utilize a positron-emitting form of glucose, known as fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), to check for tumor metabolism. But there are many other such studies that we preform clinically to guide disease diagnosis and monitoring response to therapy.

Patient Care

Our PET center team performs more than 4,300 procedures each year. Our subspecialty-trained radiologists manage and interpret every PET scan. These advanced, high-resolution images allow our team and clinical partners access to both the structure and function of organ systems within the body. Our state-of-the-art equipment and technology serve as the backdrop to our unwavering commitment to excellent patient care and attention to detail.

PET scans are often used to help diagnose cancer, detect the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, or measure the effectiveness of cancer treatment. Other uses include diagnosing diseases of the brain and heart, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, stroke, inflammatory heart disease or coronary artery disease.

The Next Generation: PET/CT

Recent technical advances have resulted in the combination PET scanners together with X-ray CT in a single camera system. These hybrid systems yield maximum structural and biological information with a single noninvasive imaging study, combining the power of PET and CT. Our scans help diagnose, treat and evaluate various conditions and diseases.

Test Results Online

Patients can access their test results within three days of their scans through MyChart. MyChart is a secure website that provides the most up-to-date medical information available to you about your Johns Hopkins care and connects you to your health care team. MyChart is available in English and Spanish. To sign up for MyChart, you will receive your unique activation code during your appointment to create your new MyChart user ID and password.

PET Center Special Services