Revisión sistemática sobre el papel de la 18F-FDG PET/TC preoperatoria para el pronóstico y la estratificación de riesgo en pacientes con cáncer de endometrio / A systematic review about the role of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT for prognosis and risk stratification in patients with endometrial cancer

objetivo Analizar la literatura disponible sobre el valor pronóstico de los parámetros metabólicos de la 18F-FDG PET/TC preoperatoria y su utilidad en la estratificación de riesgo en pacientes con cáncer de endometrio (CE). Material y métodos En búsquedas de Pubmed se utilizó «(endometr* OR uter*) AND (PET OR FDG)» como palabras clave desde enero-2000 hasta junio-2020. Se revisaron referencias en los artículos incluidos buscando posibles publicaciones no incluidas en la primera búsqueda. Se incluyeron los estudios que evaluaron el valor pronóstico de la 18F-FDG PET/TC preoperatoria y su papel para la estratificación del riesgo en pacientes con CE. Los artículos no originales (revisiones, editoriales, cartas, casos legales, entrevistas, informes de casos, etc.) no fueron incluidos. Resultados Veintiséis estudios (1.918 pacientes) fueron elegidos según los criterios de inclusión en esta revisión. Se incluyeron 13 estudios (939 pacientes) relacionados con el papel pronóstico de la 18F-FDG PET/TC preoperatoria y 14 estudios (1.036 pacientes) relacionados con su papel en la estratificación de riesgo. Parámetros como SUVmáx, volumen tumoral metabólico (VTM) y glicólisis total de lesión (GTL) del tumor primario fueron analizados. Conclusiones El SUVmáx preoperatorio es útil para realizar diagnósticos no invasivos y decidir la estrategia terapéutica adecuada, ya que podría utilizarse como marcador pronóstico independiente de recurrencia y supervivencia en el CE. Además, tanto VTM como GTL preoperatorios podrían ser factores pronósticos independientes para predecir recurrencia y supervivencia, pero, aun no existe suficiente evidencia científica. La utilidad del SUVmáx para la estratificación del riesgo es limitada (no existe literatura suficiente acerca de que la 18F-FDG PET/TC pueda sustituir la estadificación quirúrgica), aunque el VTM y la GTL sí que son más precisos y tienen un valioso papel en la estratificación del riesgo del CE (AU)

Objective To analyse the available literature on the prognostic value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters and their usefulness in risk stratification in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Material and methods Pubmed searches used «(endometr* OR uter*) AND (PET OR FDG)» as keywords from January-2000 to June-2020. References in included articles were checked for possible publications not included in the first search. Studies evaluating the prognostic value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and its role for risk stratification in patients with EC were included. Non-original articles (reviews, editorials, letters, legal cases, interviews, case reports, etc.) were not included. Results Twenty-six studies (1918 patients) were selected according to the inclusion criteria in this review. Thirteen studies (939 patients) related to the prognostic role of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and 14 studies (1036 patients) related to its role in risk stratification were included. Parameters such as SUVmax, metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumour were analysed. Conclusions Preoperative SUVmax is useful for non-invasive diagnosis and for deciding the appropriate therapeutic strategy, as it could be used as an independent prognostic marker for recurrence and survival in EC. In addition, both preoperative VTM and GTL could be independent prognostic factors for predicting recurrence and survival, but there is still insufficient scientific evidence. The usefulness of SUVmax for risk stratification is limited (there is insufficient literature that 18F-FDG PET/CT can replace surgical staging), although VTM and GTL are more accurate and have a valuable role in risk stratification of EC. However, larger multicentre studies with adequate follow-up time are needed to confirm these findings (AU)

Aumento de la confianza en la interpretación del PET con 18F-Florbetaben: “machine learning” basado en la aproximación cuantitativa / Increasing the confidence of 18F-florbetaben PET interpretations: Machine learning quantitative approximation

Objetivo: Determinar el valor a-adido de los parámetros semicuantitativos en el análisis visual y estudiar los patrones del depósito cerebral de 18F-Florbetaben. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve o demencia de origen incierto procedentes de un estudio multicentrico. Los PET con 18F-Florbetaben fueron interpretados de forma visual por dos observadores independientes, analizando las regiones “diana” con la finalidad de calcular el acuerdo interobservador. Se realizó análisis semicuantitativo de todas las regiones corticales con respecto a tres regiones de referencia para obtener índices de captación (SUVRs). Se analizó la capacidad de los SUVRs para predecir el resultado de la interpretación visual, la posibilidad de depósito preferencial del radiotrazador en algunas regiones “diana” así como las diferencias interhemisféricas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 135 pacientes. En la valoración visual, 72 estudios se clasificaron como positivos. El acuerdo interobservador fue excelente. Todos los SUVRs fueron significativamente superiores en pacientes con PET positivos con respecto a los negativos. Las regiones corticales correspondientes al área prefrontal y al cingulado posterior mostraron la mejor correlación con la evaluación visual, seguidas por la valoración integrada cortical. Usando análisis de ROC, los SUVRs obtenidos en las mismas regiones “diana” mostraron la mejor capacidad diagnóstica. Conclusiones: La información obtenida de las regiones “diana” parece ser de ayuda en la clasificación visual, basado en un depósito preferencial de amiloide, lo que permitiría el “machine learning”. El depósito de amiloide, aunque difuso en todas las regiones corticales, parece no ser uniforme ni simétrico (AU)

Aim: To assess the added value of semiquantitative parameters on the visual assessment and to study the patterns of 18F-Florbetaben brain deposition. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of multicenter study performed in patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia of uncertain origin. 18F-Florbetaben PET scans were visually interpreted by two experienced observers, analyzing target regions in order to calculate the interobserver agreement. Semiquantification of all cortical regions with respect to three reference regions was performed to obtain standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs). The ability of SUVRs to predict the visual evaluation, the possibility of preferential radiotracer deposition in some target regions and interhemisphere differenceswere analyzed. Results: 135 patients were evaluated. In the visual assessment, 72 were classified as positive. Interobserver agreement was excellent. All SUVRs were significantly higher in positive PET scans than in negative ones. Prefrontal area and posterior cingulate were the cortical regions with the best correlations with the visual evaluation, followed by the composite region. Using ROC analysis, the SUVRs obtained in same target locations showed the best diagnostic performance. Conclusions: The derived information from target regions seems to help the visual classification, based on a preferential amyloid deposit, allowing machine learning. The amyloid deposit, although diffuse in all cortical regions, seems not to be uniform and symmetric (AU)

Fallo del mapeo linfático gammagráfico en el cáncer endometrial. Causas y soluciones / Failure of scintigraphy lymphatic mapping in endometrial cancer. Causes and solutions

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de los problemas técnicos y de las características de las pacientes, en la detección gammagráfica del ganglio centinela (GC), y el éxito del mapeo en estadios precoces del cáncer endometrial (CE).Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes con estadio precoz de CE (IA-IB) sometidos a mapeo de GC empleando nanocoloides de 99mTc entre septiembre de 2011 y febrero del 2020. Fueron excluidos los casos con problemas técnicos, 92 pacientes se incluyeron en el análisis para valorar la rentabilidad diagnostica y la relación del mapeo linfático (pélvico unilateral o no detección del GC) con las características del paciente (edad, índice de masa corporal, enfermedad o cirugía pélvica previas) y de la enfermedad (histología, grado, invasión miometrial, infiltración del espacio linfovascular, tamaño tumoral y riesgo de infiltración linfática).Resultados: La tasa de detección global fue del 79%. En 7 pacientes se detectaron metástasis ganglionares. La edad (p=0,01), profundidad de invasión miometrial ≥ 50% (p=0,04) y el alto riesgo de infiltración linfática (p=0,02) se asociaron de forma positiva con el fallo linfático. En el análisis multivariante, la edad se asoció significativamente con el fallo del mapeo [odds ratio=1,63; IC:95%: 1,06-2,50; p=0,027].Conclusiones: La edad, profundidad de invasión miometrial y el alto riesgo de infiltración linfática fueron los factores asociados con mayor fallo de mapeo. Una técnica de inyección individualizada, optimizando la metodología, podría minimizar los fallos de detección (AU)

Aim: To evaluate the effect of technical problems and patient characteristics on sentinel lymph node (SLN) scintigraphic detection and mapping success in early stages of endometrial cancer (EC).Methods: Patients with clinical early stage EC (IA-IB) underwent SLN mapping using technetium-99m-nanocolloid,between September 2011 and February 2020. were included. There were excluded cases with technical problems, 92 patients were included for the analysis of the diagnostic performance and the relation of mapping failure (pelvic unilateral or not detected SLN) with patient (age, body mass index, previous pelvic disease or surgery) and disease characteristics (histology, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space infiltration, tumor size, and lymphatic infiltration risk).Results: The overall detection rate was 79%. Lymph node metastases were diagnosed in 7 patients. Age (p=0.01), depth of myometrial invasion ≥ 50% (p=0.04) and high risk of lymphatic infiltration (p=0.02) were positively associated with mapping failure. In multivariate analysis, age was significantly associated with mapping failure [odds ratio=1.63, 95%CI: 1.06-2.50; p=0.027].Conclusions: Age, depth of myometrial invasion and high risk of lymphatic infiltration were the factors associated with higher mapping failure. An individualized injection technique, optimizing the methodology, could minimize the detection failures (AU)

Metodología de la gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados en el diagnóstico de infección osteoarticular protésica/no protésica: ¿análisis visual o semicuantitativo? ¿Protocolo de uno o 2 días? / Diagnostic methodology in labelled leukocyte scan for prosthetic / non-prosthetic osteoarticular infection: Visual or semi-quantitative analysis? One- or two-day protocol?

Objetivo: Como hay poca literatura sobre el tema, nos propusimos comparar la utilidad diagnóstica del análisis semicuantitativo versus el análisis visual en la escintigrafía de glóbulos blancos etiquetados (WBCS) para la infección osteoarticular. Se evaluaron protocolos de uno y dos días, en particular en los dispositivos ortopédicos.Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 79 pacientes consecutivos con sospecha de infección osteoarticular. En todos los pacientes, la SCBM se realizó a los 30 min, 4 h, 8 h y 24 h. Las imágenes se analizaron agrupándolas en dos protocolos: protocolo de un día (los expertos evaluaron imágenes planas de 30 min, 4 h y 8 h) y protocolo de dos días (los expertos evaluaron imágenes planas de 30 min, 4 h y 24 h). Las imágenes planas se interpretaron cualitativa y semicuantitativamente y también se compararon agrupando a los pacientes con y sin dispositivos ortopédicos. Para determinar qué valor de corte de la variación porcentual podía predecir la infección osteoarticular, se calcularon múltiples valores de corte en ambos protocolos a partir del índice de Youden. Tres lectores ciegos analizaron las imágenes.Resultados: Comparando el diagnóstico final, el análisis visual del protocolo de un día proporcionó mejores resultados con una sensibilidad del 95,5%, una especificidad del 93% y una precisión diagnóstica del 93,7% (p < 0,01) que el protocolo de dos días con valores del 86,4%, 94,7% y 92,4%, respectivamente (p < 0,01). Para el análisis semicuantitativo, el protocolo de un día también obtuvo mejores resultados con una sensibilidad del 72,7%, una especificidad del 78,9% y una precisión del 77,2% (p < 0,01) que el protocolo de dos días (sin resultados significativos; p = 0,14), especialmente en el grupo de pacientes con aparatos ortopédicos (sensibilidad del 100%, especificidad del 79,5% y precisión del 82,7%; p < 0,01)

Objective: As scarce literature on the topic is available, we aimed to compare diagnostic utility of semi-quantitative versus visual analysis in labelled white blood cell scintigraphy (WBCS) for osteoarticular infection. One-day and two-day protocols were assessed, particularly in orthopaedic devices.Material and methods: Prospective study of 79 consecutive patients with suspected osteoarticular infection. In all patients, WBCS were performed at 30min, 4h, 8h and 24h. Images were analysed by grouping in two protocols: one-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 8h planar images) and two-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 24h planar images). Planar images were interpreted qualitative and semiquantitatively and also were compared grouping patients with and without orthopaedic devices. To find which cut-off value of the percentage variation could predict of osteoarticular infection, multiple cut-off values were calculated in both protocols from the Youden index. Three blinded readers analysed the images.Results: Comparing final diagnosis visual analysis of the one-day-protocol provided better results with sensitivity of 95.5%, specificity of 93% and diagnostic accuracy of 93.7% (P<.01) than the two-day-protocol with values of 86.4%, 94.7% and 92.4%, respectively (P<.01). For semi-quantitative analysis, the one-day-protocol also obtained better results with sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 78.9% and accuracy of 77.2% (P<.01) than two-day-protocol (no significant results; P=.14), especially in the group of patients with orthopaedic devices (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.5% and accuracy of 82.7%; P<.01).Conclusions: Most accurate approach in the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection corresponded to visual analysis in one-day-protocol that showed greater sensitivity and specificity than semi-quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis only could be useful when visual analysis is doubtful

Failure of scintigraphy lymphatic mapping in endometrial cancer. Causes and solutions. / Fallo del mapeo linfático gammagráfico en el cáncer endometrial. Causas y soluciones.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of technical problems and patient characteristics on sentinel lymph node (SLN) scintigraphic detection and mapping success in early stages of endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: Patients with clinical early stage EC (IA-IB) underwent SLN mapping using technetium-99m-nanocolloid,between September 2011 and February 2020. were included. There were excluded cases with technical problems, 92 patients were included for the analysis of the diagnostic performance and the relation of mapping failure (pelvic unilateral or not detected SLN) with patient (age, body mass index, previous pelvic disease or surgery) and disease characteristics (histology, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space infiltration, tumor size, and lymphatic infiltration risk). RESULTS: The overall detection rate was 79%. Lymph node metastases were diagnosed in 7 patients. Age (p=0.01), depth of myometrial invasion ≥ 50% (p=0.04) and high risk of lymphatic infiltration (p=0.02) were positively associated with mapping failure. In multivariate analysis, age was significantly associated with mapping failure [odds ratio=1.63, 95%CI: 1.06-2.50; p=0.027]. CONCLUSIONS: Age, depth of myometrial invasion and high risk of lymphatic infiltration were the factors associated with higher mapping failure. An individualized injection technique, optimizing the methodology, could minimize the detection failures.

Diagnostic methodology in labelled leukocyte scan for prosthetic / non-prosthetic osteoarticular infection: Visual or semi-quantitative analysis? One- or two-day protocol? / Metodología de la gammagrafía con leucocitos marcados en el diagnóstico de infección osteoarticular protésica/no protésica: ¿análisis visual o semicuantitativo? ¿Protocolo de uno o 2 días?

OBJECTIVE: As scarce literature on the topic is available, we aimed to compare diagnostic utility of semi-quantitative versus visual analysis in labelled white blood cell scintigraphy (WBCS) for osteoarticular infection. One-day and two-day protocols were assessed, particularly in orthopaedic devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 79 consecutive patients with suspected osteoarticular infection. In all patients, WBCS were performed at 30min, 4h, 8h and 24h. Images were analysed by grouping in two protocols: one-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 8h planar images) and two-day-protocol (experts evaluated 30min, 4h and 24h planar images). Planar images were interpreted qualitative and semiquantitatively and also were compared grouping patients with and without orthopaedic devices. To find which cut-off value of the percentage variation could predict of osteoarticular infection, multiple cut-off values were calculated in both protocols from the Youden index. Three blinded readers analysed the images. RESULTS: Comparing final diagnosis visual analysis of the one-day-protocol provided better results with sensitivity of 95.5%, specificity of 93% and diagnostic accuracy of 93.7% (P<.01) than the two-day-protocol with values of 86.4%, 94.7% and 92.4%, respectively (P<.01). For semi-quantitative analysis, the one-day-protocol also obtained better results with sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity of 78.9% and accuracy of 77.2% (P<.01) than two-day-protocol (no significant results; P=.14), especially in the group of patients with orthopaedic devices (sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.5% and accuracy of 82.7%; P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most accurate approach in the diagnosis of osteoarticular infection corresponded to visual analysis in one-day-protocol that showed greater sensitivity and specificity than semi-quantitative analysis. Semi-quantitative analysis only could be useful when visual analysis is doubtful. In patients with joint prostheses, an increase in percentage variation above 9% obtained maximum sensitivity and negative predictive value.

Amiloidosis intestinal diagnosticada por 18F-FDG PET/TC / Intestinal amyloidosis diagnosed by 18F-FDG PET/CT

No disponible

Segmentación de gliomas con PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. Estudio multiaproximación / Segmentation of gliomas in 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. A multiapproach study

OBJETIVO: El objetivo fue doble, valorar el acuerdo interobservador en la segmentación tumoral y la búsqueda de una metodología fiable y aplicable en la segmentación de gliomas usando PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron 25 pacientes con glioma, procedentes de un estudio prospectivo no randomizado (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis). Se analizó la variabilidad interobservador usando umbrales fijos. Diferentes estrategias se emplearon en la segmentación. Primero, se realizó una segmentación semiautomática, seleccionando el mejor umbral del SUVmáx-% para cada lesión. Posteriormente, se determinó una variable del SUVmáx-% dependiente del SUVmáx. Finalmente se realizó una segmentación usando un valor de umbral fijo de SUVmáx. Para ello, se realizó un muestreo de 10 regiones de interés (ROI de 2,8cm2) localizadas en cerebro normal. El valor superior obtenido de la media del muestreo+/-3 desviaciones estándar se usó como valor de corte. Todos los procedimientos fueron testados y clasificados como válidos o no en la segmentación tumoral en consenso por dos observadores. RESULTADOS: En la segmentación piloto, la media+/-DE del SUVmáx, SUVmedio y el umbral del SUVmáx-% fue de 3,64+/-1,77; 1,32+/-0,57 y 2,132+/-8,39, respectivamente. El valor óptimo del umbral SUVmáx-% mostró una asociación significativa con el SUVmáx (Pearson=-0,653; p = 0,002). Sin embargo, el modelo de regresión lineal del total de la muestra no fue bueno lo que justificó la división de la misma en dos grupos homogéneos, definiendo dos fórmulas para predecir el umbral del SUVmáx-%. Para el tercer procedimiento, el valor obtenido de la media SUVmáx+3 DE fue de 0,33. Este valor permitió segmentar correctamente una elevada proporción de casos, aunque no todos. CONCLUSIÓN: Se encontró una gran variabilidad interobservador en la segmentación tumoral. Ninguno de los métodos fue capaz de segmentar correctamente todos los gliomas probablemente debido a la amplia heterogeneidad en la PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina

AIM: Our aim was two-fold, to study the interobserver agreement in tumour segmentation and to search for a reliable methodology to segment gliomas using 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. METHODS: 25 patients with glioma, from a prospective and non-randomized study (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis), were included. Interobserver variability in tumour segmentation was assessed using fixed thresholds. Different strategies were used to segment the tumours. First, a semi-automatic tumour segmentation was performed, selecting the best SUVmax-% threshold for each lesion. Next we determined a variable SUVmax-% depending on the SUVmax. Finally a segmentation using a fixed SUVmax threshold was performed. To do so, a sampling of 10 regions of interest (ROI of 2.8cm2) located in the normal brain was performed. The upper value of the sample mean SUVmax+/-3 SD was used as cut-off. All procedures were tested and classified as effective or not for tumour segmentation by two observer's consensus. RESULTS: In the pilot segmentation, the mean+/-SD of SUVmax, SUVmean and optimal SUVmax-% threshold were: 3.64+/-1.77, 1.32+/-0.57 and 21.32+/-8.39, respectively. Optimal SUVmax-% threshold showed a significant association with the SUVmax (Pearson=−0.653, p=.002). However, the linear regression model for the total sample was not good, that supported the division in two homogeneous groups, defining two formulas for predicting the optimal SUVmax-% threshold. As to the third procedure, the obtained value for the mean SUVmax background+3 SD was 0.33. This value allowed segmenting correctly a significant fraction of tumours, although not all. CONCLUSION: A great interobserver variability in the tumour segmentation was found. None of the methods was able to segment correctly all the gliomas, probably explained by the wide tumour heterogeneity on 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT

Segmentation of gliomas in 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. A multiapproach study. / Segmentación de gliomas con PET/TC con 18F-fluorocolina. Estudio multiaproximación.

AIM: Our aim was two-fold, to study the interobserver agreement in tumour segmentation and to search for a reliable methodology to segment gliomas using 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT. METHODS: 25 patients with glioma, from a prospective and non-randomized study (Functional and Metabolic Glioma Analysis), were included.Interobserver variability in tumour segmentation was assessed using fixed thresholds. Different strategies were used to segment the tumours. First, a semi-automatic tumour segmentation was performed, selecting the best SUVmax-% threshold for each lesion. Next we determined a variable SUVmax-% depending on the SUVmax. Finally a segmentation using a fixed SUVmax threshold was performed. To do so, a sampling of 10 regions of interest (ROI of 2.8cm2) located in the normal brain was performed. The upper value of the sample mean SUVmax±3 SD was used as cut-off. All procedures were tested and classified as effective or not for tumour segmentation by two observer's consensus. RESULTS: In the pilot segmentation, the mean±SD of SUVmax, SUVmean and optimal SUVmax-% threshold were: 3.64±1.77, 1.32±0.57 and 21.32±8.39, respectively. Optimal SUVmax-% threshold showed a significant association with the SUVmax (Pearson=-0.653, p=.002). However, the linear regression model for the total sample was not good, that supported the division in two homogeneous groups, defining two formulas for predicting the optimal SUVmax-% threshold. As to the third procedure, the obtained value for the mean SUVmax background+3 SD was 0.33. This value allowed segmenting correctly a significant fraction of tumours, although not all. CONCLUSION: A great interobserver variability in the tumour segmentation was found. None of the methods was able to segment correctly all the gliomas, probably explained by the wide tumour heterogeneity on 18F-fluorocholine PET/CT.

Global heterogeneity assessed with 18F-FDG PET/CT. Relation with biological variables and prognosis in locally advanced breast cancer. / Medidas de heterogeneidad global y esfericidad con 18F-FDG PET/TC en el cáncer de mama: relación con la biología tumoral, valor predictivo y pronóstico.

AIM: To analyze the relationship between measurements of global heterogeneity, obtained from 18F-FDG PET/CT, with biological variables, and their predictive and prognostic role in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 68 patients from a multicenter and prospective study, with LABC and a baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. Immunohistochemical profile [estrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR), expression of the HER-2 oncogene, Ki-67 proliferation index and tumor histological grade], response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were obtained as clinical variables. Three-dimensional segmentation of the lesions, providing SUV, volumetric [metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)] and global heterogeneity variables [coefficient of variation (COV) and SUVmean/SUVmax ratio], as well as sphericity was performed. The correlation between the results obtained with the immunohistochemical profile, the response to NC and survival was also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the patients included, 62 received NC. Only 18 responded. 13 patients relapsed and 11 died during follow-up. ER negative tumors had a lower COV (p=0.018) as well as those with high Ki-67 (p=0.001) and high risk phenotype (p=0.033) compared to the rest. No PET variable showed association with the response to NC nor OS. There was an inverse relationship between sphericity with DFS (p=0.041), so, for every tenth that sphericity increases, the risk of recurrence decreases by 37%. CONCLUSIONS: Breast tumors in our LABC dataset behaved as homogeneous and spherical lesions. Larger volumes were associated with a lower sphericity. Global heterogeneity variables and sphericity do not seem to have a predictive role in response to NC nor in OS. More spherical tumors with less variation in gray intensity between voxels showed a lower risk of recurrence.

Baseline 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT and bone scan in the outcome prediction of patients treated with radium 223 dichloride.

AIM: To establish the utility of baseline 18F-Fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT and bone scintigraphy (BS) in the outcome prediction of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases (CRPC-BM) treated with 223Ra. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter and non-randomized study (ChoPET-Rad study). FCH PET/CT and BS were performed before the initiation of 223Ra (basal FCH PET/CT and BS). Bone disease was classified attending the number of lesions in baseline BS and PET/CT. FCH PET/CT was semiquantitatively evaluated. Gleason score, baseline levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) since the onset of 223Ra treatment was calculated. PFS was defined by PSA rising. Relations between clinical and imaging variables with PFS and OS were evaluated by Pearson, Mann-Whitney tests and Kapplan-Meier analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty patients were evaluated. The median PFS and OS were of 3.0 ± 2.3 and 23.0 ± 4.2 months, respectively. 33 patients progressed and 13 died during the follow-up. The extension of the bone disease by FCH PET/CT (p = 0.011, χ2 = 10.63), BS (p = 0.044, χ2 = 8.04), SUVmax (p = 0.012) and average SUVmax (p = 0.014) were related to OS. No significant association was found for the PFS. ROC analysis revealed significant association of SUVmax, average SUVmax and basal PSA with OS. Only therapeutic failure was associated with OS in the multivariate analysis (HR = 3.6, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: FCH PET/CT and BS had prognostic aim in the prediction of OS. None clinical or imaging variable was able to predict the PFS, probably due to the high rate of progressive disease.

18F-FDG PET/TC con contraste intravenoso en el seguimiento estandarizado de pacientes con linfoma / 18F-FDG PET/contrast enhanced CT in the standard follow-up of patients with lymphoma

Objetivo. Valorar la capacidad diagnóstica de la 18F-FDG PET/TC con contraste intravenoso (PET/TCciv) en la detección de recidivas asintomáticas de pacientes con linfoma. Material y métodos. Se realizó una PET/TCciv en pacientes con linfoma para seguimiento estandarizado y en remisión completa clínica. Tanto la 18F-FDG PET como la TCciv fueron evaluadas de forma independiente por 2 observadores y clasificadas como positiva o negativa para recurrencia. Adicionalmente se realizó una valoración combinada de ambas exploraciones. El diagnóstico final se estableció por análisis histopatológico o seguimiento clínico superior a 6 meses. Se calcularon los parámetros diagnósticos estadísticos y los niveles de concordancia entre ambas técnicas diagnósticas. Resultados. Se analizaron un total de 114 exploraciones pertenecientes a 90 pacientes. Solo 4 pacientes fueron diagnosticados de recurrencia asintomática durante el seguimiento. La 18F-FDG PET/TCciv, la 18F-FDG PET y la TCciv mostraron asociación con el diagnóstico final (p=0,002 y χ2=11,96; p<0,001 y χ2=15,60; p=0,001 y χ2=11,96, respectivamente). La concordancia entre la 18F-FDG PET y la TCciv fue moderada/alta y significativa (kappa=0,672; p<0,001). Se obtuvo una sensibilidad y especificidad del 50 y 88% para la 18F-FDG PET/TCciv, del 50 y 93% para la 18F-FDG PET y del 50 y 91% para la TCciv. Conclusión. El uso combinado de la 18F-FDG PET/TCciv no ofreció ventaja con respecto a ambas técnicas por separado en la detección de recidiva asintomática por linfoma

Aim. To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/contrast enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) in the detection of asymptomatic recurrences in patients with lymphoma. Material and methods. Patients with lymphoma and clinical complete remission underwent 18F-FDG PET/ceCT for standard follow-up.18F-FDG PET and ceCT were evaluated blindly by two independent observers, and classified as positive or negative for recurrence. Additionally a combined evaluation of both techniques was performed. The final diagnosis was established by histopathological analysis or a clinical follow-up longer than 6 months. Statistical diagnostic parameters and concordance levels between both diagnostic techniques were calculated. Results. A total of 114 explorations on 90 patients were analyzed. Only 4 patients were diagnosed as asymptomatic recurrence during the follow-up. 18F-FDG PET/ceCT, 18F-FDG PET and ceCT showed an association with the final diagnosis (p=0.002 and χ2=11.96; p<0.001 and χ2=15.60; p=0.001 and χ2=11.96, respectively). The concordance between 18F-FDG PET and ceCT was moderate/high and significant (kappa=0.672; p<0.001). A sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 88% was obtained for the 18F-FDG PET/ceCT civ, 50% and 93% for the 18F-FDG PET, and 50% and 91% for the ceCT. Conclusion. The combined use of 18F-FDG PET/ceCT did not offer any advantage compared to any isolated diagnostic technique in the detection of asymptomatic lymphoma recurrence

Predictive and prognostic potential of volume-based metabolic variables obtained by a baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer with neoadjuvant chemotherapy indication. / Papel predictivo y pronóstico de las variables volumétricas metabólicas obtenidas en la 18F-FDG PET/TC en el cáncer de mama con indicación de quimioterapia neoadyuvante.

AIM: To investigate the usefulness of metabolic variables using 18F-FDG PET/CT in the prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) response and the prognosis in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study including 67 patients with LABC, NC indication and a baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT. After breast tumor segmentation, SUV variables (SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVpeak) and volume-based variables, such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), were obtained. Tumors were grouped into molecular phenotypes, and classified as responders or non-responders after completion of NC. Disease-free status (DFs), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to study the potential of all variables to predict DFs, DFS, and OS. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were classified as responders. Median±SD of DFS and OS was 43±15 and 46±13 months, respectively. SUV and TLG showed a significant correlation (p<0.005) with the histological response, with higher values in responders compared to non-responders. MTV and TLG showed a significant association with DFs (p=0.015 and p=0.038 respectively). Median, mean and SD of MTV and TLG for patients with DFs were: 8.90, 13.73, 15.10 and 33.78, and 90.54 and 144.64, respectively. Median, mean and SD of MTV and TLG for patients with non-DFs were: 16.72, 29.70 and 31.09 and 90.89, 210.98 and 382.80, respectively. No significant relationships were observed with SUV variables and DFs. Volume-based variables were significantly associated with OS and DFS, although in multivariate analysis only MTV was related to OS. No SUV variables showed an association with the prognosis. CONCLUSION: Volume-based metabolic variables obtained with 18F-FDG PET/CT, unlike SUV based variables, were good predictors of both neoadjuvant chemotherapy response and prognosis.

18F-FDG PET/contrast enhanced CT in the standard follow-up of patients with lymphoma. / 18F-FDG PET/TC con contraste intravenoso en el seguimiento estandarizado de pacientes con linfoma.

AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/contrast enhanced computed tomography (ceCT) in the detection of asymptomatic recurrences in patients with lymphoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with lymphoma and clinical complete remission underwent 18F-FDG PET/ceCT for standard follow-up.18F-FDG PET and ceCT were evaluated blindly by two independent observers, and classified as positive or negative for recurrence. Additionally a combined evaluation of both techniques was performed. The final diagnosis was established by histopathological analysis or a clinical follow-up longer than 6 months. Statistical diagnostic parameters and concordance levels between both diagnostic techniques were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 114 explorations on 90 patients were analyzed. Only 4 patients were diagnosed as asymptomatic recurrence during the follow-up. 18F-FDG PET/ceCT, 18F-FDG PET and ceCT showed an association with the final diagnosis (p=0.002 and χ2=11.96; p<0.001 and χ2=15.60; p=0.001 and χ2=11.96, respectively). The concordance between 18F-FDG PET and ceCT was moderate/high and significant (kappa=0.672; p<0.001). A sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 88% was obtained for the 18F-FDG PET/ceCT civ, 50% and 93% for the 18F-FDG PET, and 50% and 91% for the ceCT. CONCLUSION: The combined use of 18F-FDG PET/ceCT did not offer any advantage compared to any isolated diagnostic technique in the detection of asymptomatic lymphoma recurrence.

Is the prognosis of occult N2 disease similar to that of positive positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) scan single-station N2 disease in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated by surgical resection?

OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study, using a prospective database, was conducted on patients treated with surgery in order to analyze the prognosis between two groups: NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) patients with occult N2 disease and patients with single station N2 disease observed on pre-operative integrated PET/CT scan. METHODS: A total of 772 patients underwent surgical treatment for lung cancer from January 2007 to December 2014. All of them had an integrated PET/CT scan in the pre-operative work-up and a pulmonary resection plus mediastinal lymphadenectomy were performed in all cases. In the selected cases, no one received induction treatment. All patients from both groups had N2 disease after examination of the histopathology specimen. Clinical and pathological characteristics, disease free survival, and overall survival, were analyzed in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 34 cases presented occult N2 disease, whereas 11 cases showed single station N2 disease on pre-operative PET/CT scan. Mean disease free survival and mean overall survival for occult N2 disease compared to single-station N2 disease on PET/CT scan was 36.0 months (95% CI: 24.9-47.1) and 38.9 months (95% CI: 20.6-57.1), p=.586; and 52.3 months (95% CI: 38.9-65.7) and 38.2 months (95% CI: 21.9-54.5), p=.349, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prognosis of patients with single-station N2 disease on PET/CT scan treated by surgical resection and mediastinal lymphadenectomy as first line treatment was similar to those with occult N2 disease. More studies are needed to support our findings.

18F-FDG PET/CT as predictor of tumour biology and prognosis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. / PET/TC con 18F-FDG como predictor de la biología tumoral y del pronóstico en el cáncer epitelial ovárico.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of ovarian lesions and histopathology subtypes, and their involvement in the response and prognosis of patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 31 patients with EOC and 18F-FDG-PET/CT before treatment, including an assessment of the SUVmax of ovarian lesion. Histopathological diagnosis and follow-up was performed. A study was made on the relationship between the SUVmax and histological type (type I and II) and tumour stage, as well as the role of various parameters (SUVmax, histology, stage) on the patient outcomes (complete response [CR], overall survival [OS], disease-free survival [DFS], and disease-free [DF] status, at 12 and 24 months). RESULTS: The medium SUVmax in type I lesions was lower than in type II (6.3 and 9.3, respectively; P=.03). A 7.1 cut-off was set for SUVmax in order to identify type II EOC (sensitivity: 77.8%, specificity: 69.2%; AUC=0.748; P=.02). No significant relationship was found between tumour stage and SUVmax. CR was more common in early stages; relative risk (RR) of 1.64; P=.003, as well as in type I tumours and a lower SUVmax. Tumour stage was decisive in DFS (P=.04), LE24m (0.07) and OS (P=.08). Longer DFS and a higher percentage of DF 24m were observed in type I tumours (RR: 1.32; P=.26). CONCLUSIONS: SUVmax was related to EOC histology, so could predict the response and prognosis of these patients. No association was found between glycolytic activity of the primary tumor with the response and prognosis.

Role of 18F-Choline PET/CT in guiding biopsy in patients with risen PSA levels and previous negative biopsy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To study 18F-Choline PET/CT in the diagnosis and biopsy guide of prostate cancer (pCa) in patients with persistently high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and previous negative prostate biopsy. To compare the clinical risk factors and metabolic variables as predictors of malignancy. METHODS: Patients with persistently elevated PSA in serum (total PSA >4ng/mL) and at least a previous negative or inconclusive biopsy were consecutively referred for a whole body 18F-Choline PET/CT. Patient age, PSA level, PSA doubling time (PSAdt) and PSA velocity (PSAvel) were obtained. PET images were visually (positive or negative) and semiquantitatively (SUVmax) reviewed. 18F-Choline uptake prostate patterns were defined as focal, multifocal, homogeneous or heterogeneous. Histology on biopsy using transrectal ultrasound-guided approach was the gold standard. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) and accuracy (Ac) of PET/CT for diagnosis of pCa were evaluated using per-patient and per-prostate lobe analysis. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the value of SUVmax to diagnose pCa. Correlation between PET/CT and biopsy results per-prostate lobe was assessed using the Chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to compare clinical risk factors and metabolic variables as predictors of malignancy. RESULTS: Thirty-six out of 43 patients with histologic confirmation were included. In 11 (30.5%) patients, pCa was diagnosed (Gleason score from 4 to 9). The mean values of patient age, PSA level, PSAdt and PSAvel were: 65.5 years, 15.6ng/ml, 28.1 months and 8.5ng/mL per year, respectively. Thirty-three patients had a positive PET/CT; 18 had a focal pattern, 7 multifocal, 4 homogeneous and 4 heterogeneous. Se, Sp and Ac of PET/CT were of 100%, 12% and 38% in the patient based analysis, and 87%, 29% and 14% in the prostate lobe based analysis, respectively. The ROC curve analysis of SUVmax showed an AUC of 0.568 (p=0.52). On a lobe analysis, poor agreement was observed between PET/CT findings and biopsy results (p=0.097). In the univariate/multivariate analysis, none of clinical and metabolic variables were statistically significant as predictor of pCa. CONCLUSION: Choline PET/CT is a suitable procedure for the detection of pCa in highly selected patients, however, a high rate of false positive should be expected.