Optimal timing of first posttreatment FDG PET/CT in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. (18th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leung, Alan S.; Rath, Tanya J.; Hughes, Marion A.; Kim, Seungwon; Branstetter, Barton F.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 38(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: E853
• Page End: E858
• Publication Date: 2015-07-18
• Subjects: fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) -- positron emission tomography (PET)/CT -- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -- posttreatment -- timing; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.24112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The optimal timing for the initial posttreatment fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scan after definitive treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 247 patients with definitively treated nonmetastatic HNSCC. First posttreatment PET/CT scans were grouped into: <7 weeks, 7 to 10 weeks, 11 to 14 weeks, and ≥15 weeks. Scans were categorized as positive or negative and accuracy of scans was calculated for each group using biopsy, subsequent imaging, or clinical follow‐up for 1 year after treatment as a reference standard. Results: Sixty‐seven of the 247 patients (27.1%) had treatment failure. Scans performed at <7 weeks were less accurate than all other time intervals ( p < .05). Scans performed at all other intervals were similar in accuracy. Conclusion: First posttreatment PET/CT can be obtained as early as 2 months after therapy. Scans performed earlier than 2 months have lower accuracy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38 : E853–E858, 2016