Application of ~(18)F-FDG hybrid PET/CT imaging in clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the application of ~(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose hybrid PET/CT (~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT) imaging in clinical staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Seventy two consecutive patients with NSCLC undergoing ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT before radiotherapy were analyzed. The results were compared with previous CT scan and conventional clinical staging. The patients were followed-up for at least 6 months. Results Among the 72 patients, the staging grade was changed in 27 patients due to the result of ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT in whom with 20 patients having their grade raised and 7 lowered. Radical treatment was changed to palliative treatment in view of a raise of staging grade. Because of distant metastasis was detected by ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, 14 patients received palliative treatment. Compared with CT, 47 more lymph nodes and 26 distant metastases were found with ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, and the patients in question received radiotherapy and palliative treatment accordingly. Conclusion ~(18)F-FDG hPET/CT imaging, by changing the clinical staging in 37.5% (27/72) NSCLC patients, has impact on treatment strategy and treatment planning of radiotherapy in NSCLC patients. Patients were frequently spared unnecessary treatment, and management was more appropriately targeted.