Clinical Application of Positron Emission Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pelvic Malignant Tumors

ABSTRACT Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) combines the advantages of both imaging modalities. PET/MRI demonstrates superior performance in the evaluation of the therapeutic impact, staging, diagnosis, and treatment planning of malignancies because of its lower radiation dose, higher contrast for soft tissues, and multiparametric functional imaging. 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/MRI has demonstrated considerable potential in the assessment of pelvic malignancies. This review briefly describes the evolution of PET/MRI imaging technology and compares the application of PET/MRI in five common pelvic tumors, including endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer, with that of PET/computed tomography. Additionally, radiotracers other than 18 F‐fluorodeoxyglucose have been introduced for use in pelvic tumors. The development and application of these new tracers further enhance the clinical application of PET/MRI in precision medicine for pelvic malignant cancers. Overall, this review revealed the unique contribution of PET/MRI as a promising diagnostic instrument in the management of pelvic tumors, demonstrating its important position in future clinical practice.