Nuclear techniques in the detection and management of cancer

Cancer is a major health problem of our times. Expectations that a single causative agent - and thus a single cure - would be identified have now been dispelled and current medical opinion favours the view that each cancer is unique and needs an individual approach. Significant advances have been made in cancer treatment by conventional methods of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy in addition to the more recent approaches of immunotherapy and genetic manipulation. There is no question, however, that, in most cancers detection at the earliest possible stage remains a key factor in determining the final outcome. This article briefly reviews recent improvements in diagnostic techniques. 3 figs., 1 tab