Dual-phase 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography as a prognostic parameter in patients with pancreatic cancer

Prognostic Evaluation Based on Dual-Time 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics Features in Patients with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated by Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Background

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is widely used in the prognosis evaluation of tumor patients. The radiomics features can provide additional information for clinical prognostic assessment.

Purpose

Purpose is to explore the prognostic value of radiomics features from dual-time ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 70 LAPC patients who received early and delayed ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans before SBRT treatment. A total of 1188 quantitative imaging features were extracted from dual-time PET/CT images. To avoid overfitting, the univariate analysis and elastic net were used to obtain a sparse set of image features that were applied to develop a radiomics score (Rad-score). Then, the Harrell consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the prognosis model.

Results

The Rad-score from dual-time images contains six features, including intensity histogram, morphological, and texture features. In the validation cohort, the univariate analysis showed that the Rad-score was the independent prognostic factor (p < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.2). And in the multivariate analysis, the Rad-score was the only prognostic factor (p < 0.01, HR: 4.1) that was significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of patients. In addition, according to cross-validation, the C-index of the prognosis model based on the Rad-score from dual-time images is better than the early and delayed images (0.720 vs. 0.683 vs. 0.583).

Conclusion

The Rad-score based on dual-time ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images is a promising noninvasive method with better prognostic value.

The Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosing Pancreatic Lesions: Comparison With CA19-9, Enhanced CT or Enhanced MR

Objective: To investigate the value of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing pancreatic lesions, and compare it with CA19-9, contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), and contrast-enhanced MRI (CEMR). Methods: Cases of patients with suspected pancreatic lesions examined between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. CA19-9, CECT and CEMR within 2 weeks of PET/CT were evaluated. We compared the diagnostic efficacy of PET/CT with CA19-9, CECT and CEMR as well as combined tests. Results: A total of 467 cases were examined in this study, including 293 males and 174 females, with an average age of 57.79 ± 12.68 y (16-95 y). Cases in the malignant group (n = 248) had significantly higher SUVmax (7.34 ± 4.17 vs. 1.70 ± 2.68, P < 0.001) and CA19-9 (663.21 ± 531.98 vs. 87.80 ± 218.47, P < 0.001) than those in the benign group (n = 219). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET/CT were 91.9, 96.3, and 94.0%, respectively. Those for CECT were 83.6, 77.8, 81.2%, respectively; and 91.2, 75.0, 81.7% were for CEMR. PET/CT corrected 14.7% (28/191) CECT diagnoses and 12.2% (10/82) CEMR diagnoses. Although the diagnostic efficiency of CA19-9 was acceptable (80.0, 69.0, 74.9% respectively), the joint application of PET/CT and CA19-9 could significantly enhance the diagnostic efficiency compared with PET/CT alone (sen 97.4 vs. 90.5%, P = 0.0003; spe 100.0 vs. 95.2%, P = 0.0047). Conclusions: PET/CT has sensitivity similar to CECT, CEMR and significantly higher specificity and accuracy, helping reduce false diagnoses of morphological images. Combining PET/CT with CA19-9 could enhance diagnostic efficiency.

Prognostic significance of retention index of bone marrow on dual-phase 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on a dual-phase positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), focusing on the increment in maximal standardized uptake value (SUVinc) of tumor and bone marrow (BM) between initial and delayed phase images and retention index (RI) of tumor and BM, in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).From September 2009 to January 2013, 70 patients (37 males and 33 females, aged 60.6 ± 17.5 years) with DLBCL who had undergone dual-phase FDG PET/CT scans for pretreatment staging were enrolled. The patients subsequently received combination chemotherapy with rituximab. The dual-phase SUV, including SUVinc of tumor (SUVinc-t), RI of tumor (RI-t), SUVinc of BM, and RI of BM were measured. The clinical observation period was from September 2009 to December 2014. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were then used to assess the prognostic significance of SUVinc, RI, international prognostic index (IPI), gender, age, clinical stage, and laboratory tests.The median follow-up time was 35.5 months. The 3-year overall survival (OS) for patients with low/high SUVinc-t (cut-off 2.0) and for patients with low/high RI-t (cut-off 20) were 87.5%/ 62.1% (P = .08) and 83.3%/ 62.7% (P = .14), respectively. The 3-year OS for patients with SUVinc-i < 0.35 and for those with SUVinc-i ≥ 0.35 were 73.2% and 53.3%, respectively (P = .10). The 3-year OS for patients with RI-i < 45 and for those with RI-i ≥ 45 were 72.7% and 37.5%, respectively (P = .02). Subsequently, the Cox multivariate forward proportional hazards model revealed that a higher RI-i (hazard ratio: 4.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.64-12.32; P = .0035) and IPI were independent prognostic factors affecting OS.For patients with DLBCL, an elevated RI-i (≥45) was a predictor for shorter OS, independent of IPI score. It added to the value of pretreatment dual-phase FDG PET/CT scans.

Role of Optimal Quantification of FDG PET Imaging in the Clinical Practice of Radiology

The combination of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) for dual-modality imaging (PET/CT) plays a key role in the diagnosis and staging of FDG-avid malignancies. FDG uptake by the tumor cells offers an opportunity to detect cancer in organs that appear normal at anatomic imaging and to differentiate viable tumor from posttreatment effects. Quantification of FDG uptake has multiple clinical applications, including cancer diagnosis and staging. Dedicated FDG PET/CT-based visual and quantitative criteria have been developed to evaluate treatment response. Furthermore, the level of tumor FDG uptake reflects the biologic aggressiveness of the tumor, predicting the risk of metastasis and recurrence. FDG uptake can be measured with qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative methods. Qualitative or visual assessment of PET/CT images is the most common clinical approach for describing the level of FDG uptake. Standardized uptake value (SUV) is the most commonly used semiquantitative tool for measuring FDG uptake. SUV can be measured as maximum, mean, or peak SUV and may be normalized by using whole or lean body weight. SUV measurements provide the basis for quantitative response criteria; however, SUVs have not been widely adopted as diagnostic thresholds for discriminating malignant and benign lesions. Volumetric FDG uptake measurements such as metabolic tumor volume and total lesion glycolysis have shown substantial promise in providing accurate tumor assessment. SUV measurement and other quantification techniques can be affected by many technical, physical, and biologic factors. Familiarity with FDG uptake quantification approaches and their pitfalls is essential for clinical practice and research.

The Relationship Between Estrogen Receptor, Progesterone Receptor and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Expression of Breast Cancer and the Retention Index in Dual Phase (18)F-FDG PET/CT

PURPOSE

This study investigates the correlation of retention index (RI) using the dual phase FDG PET/CT scan with the breast cancer biomarkers.

METHODS

A total of 55 patients with breast cancer underwent dual phase FDG PET/CT scans (60 and 120 min after FDG injection) before treatment. SUVmax and SUVmean of the primary breast tumors were measured, then the percent change of SUVmax and SUVmean between the two scans were calculated, and denoted as RImax and RImean, respectively. After the surgical resection of the breast tumor, the status of biomarkers (ER, PR, and HER-2) was evaluated in the postsurgical specimen.

RESULTS

RImean was significantly higher in ER (-) (median, 16.2; IQR, 10.8-21.0) or HER-2 (+) (median, 16.1; IQR, 10.7-21.6) tumors than in ER (+) tumors (median, 9.9; IQR, 5.5-15.3) or HER-2 (-) tumors (median, 10.5; IQR, 5.5-16.1). However, there were no significant differences of SUVmax or RImax according to the ER or HER-2 status. There were no significant differences of any PET parameters between PR (+) and PR (-) tumors. Based off ROC curve analyses, RImean predicted the ER (+) tumors (AUC, 0.699; p = 0.006), and HER-2 (+) tumors (AUC, 0.674; p = 0.022), but not the PR (+) tumors. However, neither SUVmax nor RImax predicted ER (+), PR (+), or HER-2 (+) tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Retention index of SUVmean can reflect the ER and HER-2 status of breast cancers. Higher retention index of SUVmean might associate with lower ER expression and higher HER-2 expression.

Dual-time-point Imaging and Delayed-time-point Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/Computed Tomography Imaging in Various Clinical Settings

The techniques of dual-time-point imaging (DTPI) and delayed-time-point imaging, which are mostly being used for distinction between inflammatory and malignant diseases, has increased the specificity of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET for diagnosis and prognosis of certain diseases. A gradually increasing trend of FDG uptake over time has been shown in malignant cells, and a decreasing or constant trend has been shown in inflammatory/infectious processes. Tumor heterogeneity can be assessed by using early and delayed imaging because differences between primary versus metastatic sites become more detectable compared with single time points. This article discusses the applications of DTPI and delayed-time-point imaging.

18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose retention index as a prognostic parameter in patients with pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the most effective way to use dual-phase F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) semiquantitative indices to predict prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer and to guide treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Prognostic parameters were retrospectively analyzed in 40 patients with histologically proven pancreatic cancer who received F-FDG PET/CT at Ruijin Hospital. Maximum standardized uptake values (SUVs) were determined at 1 h (SUV1) and 2 h (SUV2) after F-FDG injection. The retention index (RI) was defined as the percentage change between SUV1 and SUV2.

RESULTS

RI less than 17% was explored as having a significant independent correlation with prolonged patient survival (P<0.05). Patients with tumor resection and RI less than 17% survived significantly longer than those with or without tumor resection and RI of 17% or higher (P<0.05). Neither SUV1, nor SUV2 showed any prognostic significance, but they did show a positive correlation with tumor diameter (P1<0.01; P2<0.05); RI had a strong positive correlation with tumor, node, and metastasis stage (P<0.01). Two factors were found to be associated with RI, including pancreatitis (P<0.05) and diabetes (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

RI served as the most accurate parameter to predict disease prognosis in pancreatic cancer and to identify patients who could benefit from surgery. However, pancreatitis and diabetes had a potential impact on RI, reflecting the influence of tumor pathophysiological changes on the metabolism of glucose in pancreatic tumor cells. Therefore, further comprehensive analyses are required.

Dual-phase 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in the characterization of pancreatic lesions: does it offer prognostic information?

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of dual-phase F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose PET/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) in the characterization of pancreatic masses. The secondary aim was to assess whether delayed imaging revealed any prognostic information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with periampullary or pancreatic masses on conventional imaging were included in this study. Early and delayed PET/CT was performed, followed by pathological examination in all patients. PET/CT parameters including uptake pattern, SUVearly, SUVdelayed, lesion to background ratio (L/B), and retention index (RI) were assessed for their ability to differentiate benign from malignant lesions. Patients with malignant lesions were followed up for a median duration of 26 months. The association of 11 variables with survival was analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients had malignant lesions and 19 had benign lesions. The mean SUVearly, L/B, SUVdelayed, and RI between the malignant and benign lesions were statistically significant. The F-FDG uptake pattern of the lesions had higher sensitivity (93.5%) and specificity (100%) compared with RI (cutoff 25.7%) (84 and 37%, respectively) for diagnosing malignancy (P<0.05). In univariate analysis both RI (>18.7%) and tumor size (>2.6 cm) predicted significantly poor survival, whereas in multivariate analysis RI (P=0.04) was the only predictor of poor survival.

CONCLUSION

Dual-phase F-FDG PET/CT is not useful in characterizing pancreatic masses as it cannot differentiate benign from malignant lesions, and focal uptake on early PET imaging is the best indicator of malignancy. A possible benefit in performing a delayed scan is that a high RI (>18.7) can predict poor survival and hence may be useful in treatment planning.

Usefulness of dual-phase 18F-FDG PET/CT for diagnosing small pancreatic tumors

OBJECTIVES

The usefulness of dual-phase F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for pancreatic tumors was investigated including numerous small tumors.

METHODS

Consecutive 116 patients with solid pancreatic tumors were subjected. Maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) at 1 and 2 hours after FDG injection were defined as early and delayed SUVmax, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cutoff value of early SUVmax. Diagnostic accuracy of dual-phase FDG PET/CT was compared with that of single phase.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD tumor size was 25 ±12 mm in diameter. The level of early SUVmax and proportion of elevated SUVmax in delayed phase were significantly higher in malignancy than those in benignancy for less than 25 mm tumors (4.1 ± 2.6 vs 1.9 ± 0.5, P < 0.001; 89% vs 17%, P < 0.0001) although they did not reach statistical significance for greater than or equal to 25 mm tumors. When diagnostic criteria of dual-phase FDG PET/CT for less than 25 mm tumors were determined as (1) early SUVmax greater than or equal to 2.1 and/or (2) delayed SUVmax greater than early SUVmax, sensitivity, specificity, and over all accuracy of dual-phase FDG PET/CT were better than that of single phase for less than 25 mm tumor (93%, 83%, and 91% vs 79%, 83%, and 80%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Dual-phase FDG PET/CT might be useful for diagnosing small pancreatic tumors.

Positron emission tomography (PET) has limited utility in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Positron emission tomography (PET) as an adjunct to conventional imaging in the staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is controversial. Herein, we assess the utility of PET in identifying metastatic disease and evaluate the prognostic potential of standard uptake value (SUV).

METHODS

Imaging and follow-up data for patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. Resectability was assessed based on established criteria, and sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET were compared to those of conventional imaging modalities.

RESULTS

For 123 patients evaluated 2005-2011, PET and CT/MRI were concordant in 108 (88 %) cases; however, PET identified occult metastatic lesions in seven (5.6 %). False-positive PETs delayed surgery for three (8.3 %) patients. In a cohort free of metastatic disease in 78.9 % of cases, the sensitivity and specificity of PET for metastases were 89.3 and 85.1 %, respectively, compared with 62.5 and 93.5 % for CT and 61.5 and 100.0 % for MRI. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PET were 64.1 and 96.4 %, respectively, compared with 75.0 and 88.9 % for CT and 100.0 and 91.9 % for MRI. Average difference in maximum SUV of resectable and unresectable lesions was not statistically significant (5.65 vs. 6.5, p = 0.224) nor was maximum SUV a statistically significant predictor of survival (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

PET is more sensitive in identifying metastatic lesions than CT or MRI; however, it has a lower specificity, lower positive predictive value, and in some cases, can delay definitive surgical management. Therefore, PET has limited utility as an adjunctive modality in staging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

18F-FDG PET/CT oncologic imaging at extended injection-to-scan acquisition time intervals derived from a single-institution 18F-FDG-directed surgery experience: feasibility and quantification of 18F-FDG accumulation within 18F-FDG-avid lesions and background tissues

Background

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a well-established imaging modality for a wide variety of solid malignancies. Currently, only limited data exists regarding the utility of PET/CT imaging at very extended injection-to-scan acquisition times. The current retrospective data analysis assessed the feasibility and quantification of diagnostic ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT oncologic imaging at extended injection-to-scan acquisition time intervals.

Methods

¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesions (not surgically manipulated or altered during ¹⁸F-FDG-directed surgery, and visualized both on preoperative and postoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging) and corresponding background tissues were assessed for ¹⁸F-FDG accumulation on same-day preoperative and postoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Multiple patient variables and ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesion variables were examined.

Results

For the 32 ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesions making up the final ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesion data set (from among 7 patients), the mean injection-to-scan times of the preoperative and postoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans were 73 (±3, 70-78) and 530 (±79, 413-739) minutes, respectively (P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative mean ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesion SUV_max values were 7.7 (±4.0, 3.6-19.5) and 11.3 (±6.0, 4.1-29.2), respectively (P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative mean background SUV_max values were 2.3 (±0.6, 1.0-3.2) and 2.1 (±0.6, 1.0-3.3), respectively (P = 0.017). The preoperative and postoperative mean lesion-to-background SUV_max ratios were 3.7 (±2.3, 1.5-9.8) and 5.8 (±3.6, 1.6-16.2), respectively, (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT oncologic imaging can be successfully performed at extended injection-to-scan acquisition time intervals of up to approximately 5 half-lives for ¹⁸F-FDG while maintaining good/adequate diagnostic image quality. The resultant increase in the ¹⁸F-FDG-avid lesion SUV_max values, decreased background SUV_max values, and increased lesion-to-background SUV_max ratios seen from preoperative to postoperative ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging have great potential for allowing for the integrated, real-time use of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging in conjunction with ¹⁸F-FDG-directed interventional radiology biopsy and ablation procedures and ¹⁸F-FDG-directed surgical procedures, as well as have far-reaching impact on potentially re-shaping future thinking regarding the “most optimal” injection-to-scan acquisition time interval for all routine diagnostic ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT oncologic imaging.

Usefulness of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to confirm suspected pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Pancreatic cancer is among the five most lethal malignancies in the world. Unfortunately, many malignant tumors go undetected by the current primary diagnostic tools. (18)FDG-PET and (18)FDG-PET/CT might be useful to confirm suspected pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed using all major search engines. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed as well as quality of the PET-protocol. The following pooled estimates served as primary outcome measures: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included. Pooled estimates for (18)FDG-PET were: sensitivity 90%, specificity 76%, PPV 90%, NPV 76% and accuracy 86%. Pooled estimates for (18)FDG-PET/CT were: sensitivity 90%, specificity 76%, PPV 89%, NPV 78% and accuracy 86%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for (18)FDG-PET to differentiate between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis were 90% and 84%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both (18)FDG-PET and (18)FDG-PET/CT offer no benefit over the current primary diagnostic tools in diagnosing pancreatic cancer. However, the (18)FDG-PET/CT systems are still improving. We should investigate the sensitivity and specificity of these new systems while reevaluating the tradeoff between false positive and false negative results. Yet, (18)FDG-PET/CT may have a role in the staging of pancreatic cancer, in survival prediction, and may add to other diagnostic information, like histology.

Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

We evaluated the prognostic value of (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) in patients with resectable pancreatic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pancreatic cancer patients who underwent curative resection, which included 64 consecutive patients who had preoperative FDG PET scans. For statistical analysis, the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary pancreatic cancer was measured. Survival time was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox's proportional hazard model was used to determine whether SUVmax added new predictive information concerning survival together with known prognostic factors. p<0.05 indicated statistical significance.

RESULTS

Overall survival (OS) and disease- free survival (DFS) were respectively 42.9 months (27.6-58.2; 95% CI) and 14.9 months (10.1-19.7; 95% CI). When subjects were divided into two groups according to SUVmax with a cutoff value of 3.5, the high SUVmax group (n=32; SUVmax >3.5) showed significantly shorter OS and DFS than the low SUVmax group. Multivariate analysis of OS and DFS showed that both high SUVmax and poor tumor differentiation were independent poor prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that degree of FDG uptake was an independent prognostic factor in pancreatic cancer patients who underwent curative resection.

FDG-PET in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of pancreatic carcinoma: A meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the potential role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis, staging and prognosis predicting of pancreatic carcinoma (PC).

METHODS: A systematic review of relevant literatures in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was performed. The sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic and staging studies, and HRs for prognosis predicting studies were pooled. The bivariate model was used for diagnostic studies and the random-effect model for prognostic studies. Heterogeneity between included studies was tested using χ² test, and subgroup analysis was performed to explain the heterogeneities. All of the calculations were performed using Stata version 11.0.

RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included. The pooled sensitivity of PET in diagnosing PC (30 studies, 1582 patients), evaluating N stating (4 studies, 101 patients) and liver metastasis (7 studies, 316 patients) were 0.91 (95%CI: 0.88-0.93), 0.64 (95%CI: 0.50-0.76), and 0.67 (95%CI: 0.52-0.79), respectively; and the corresponding specificity was 0.81 (95%CI: 0.75-0.85), 0.81 (95%CI: 0.25-0.85), and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.89-0.98), respectively. In prognosis analysis (6 studies, 198 patients), significant difference of overall survival was observed between high and low standardized uptake value groups (HR = 2.39, 95%CI: 1.57-3.63). Subgroup analysis showed that PET/CT was more sensitive than PET alone in evaluating liver metastasis of PC, 0.82 (95%CI: 0.48-0.98) and 0.67 (95%CI: 0.52-0.79), respectively.

CONCLUSION: PET can be used as a valuable diagnostic and predictive tool for PC, but its effect in the staging of PC remains indeterminate.

The usefulness of (18)F-FDG PET/MRI fusion image in diagnosing pancreatic tumor: comparison with (18)F-FDG PET/CT

PURPOSE

This study aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of retrospectively fused (18)F FDG-PET and MRI (PET/MRI fusion image) in diagnosing pancreatic tumor, in particular differentiating malignant tumor from benign lesions. In addition, we evaluated additional findings characterizing pancreatic lesions by FDG-PET/MRI fusion image.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively 119 patients: 96 cancers and 23 benign lesions. FDG-PET/MRI fusion images (PET/T1 WI or PET/T2WI) were made by dedicated software using 1.5 Tesla (T) MRI image and FDG-PET images. These images were interpreted by two well-trained radiologists without knowledge of clinical information and compared with FDG-PET/CT images. We compared the differential diagnostic capability between PET/CT and FDG-PET/MRI fusion image. In addition, we evaluated additional findings such as tumor structure and tumor invasion.

RESULTS

FDG-PET/MRI fusion image significantly improved accuracy compared with that of PET/CT (96.6 vs. 86.6 %). As additional finding, dilatation of main pancreatic duct was noted in 65.9 % of solid types and in 22.6 % of cystic types, on PET/MRI-T2 fusion image. Similarly, encasement of adjacent vessels was noted in 43.1 % of solid types and in 6.5 % of cystic types. Particularly in cystic types, intra-tumor structures such as mural nodule (35.4 %) or intra-cystic septum (74.2 %) were detected additionally. Besides, PET/MRI-T2 fusion image could detect extra benign cystic lesions (9.1 % in solid type and 9.7 % in cystic type) that were not noted by PET/CT.

CONCLUSIONS

In diagnosing pancreatic lesions, FDG-PET/MRI fusion image was useful in differentiating pancreatic cancer from benign lesions. Furthermore, it was helpful in evaluating relationship between lesions and surrounding tissues as well as in detecting extra benign cysts.

Dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging for differentiating the lymph nodes between malignant lymphoma and benign lesions

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the clinical value of dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging to differentiate malignant lymphoma (ML) from benign lymph node (BLN).

Materials and methods

The subjects were 310 lymph nodes in 84 patients (195 ML lesions in 30 patients and 115 BLN in 54 patients associated with various etiologies.). F-18 FDG PET/CT scan was performed at 50 min (early scan) and at 100 min (delayed scan) after the injection. First, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of each lesion at early and delayed scans was calculated. Second, we estimated the difference between early and delayed SUVmax (D-SUVmax) and the retention index (RI-SUVmax) to evaluate the change of tracers in the lesions. Furthermore, proper cut-off values of them were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The efficacy of each parameter was analyzed with ANOVA.

Results

Delayed SUVmax and D-SUVmax in ML were significantly higher than those in BLN. Proper cut-off value in delayed SUVmax was 4.0 and in D-SUVmax was 1.0. When the proper cut-off value in D-SUVmax was applied, the D-SUVmax yielded the role of diagnosis with sensitivity of 82.6 %, specificity of 65.2 %, positive predictive value of 80.1 % and negative predictive value of 68.8 %, respectively.

Conclusions

The delayed SUVmax and D-SUVmax were useful indices to differentiate ML from BLN, regardless of histologic subtype. Dual-time-point F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging may help to consider whether there is any need to proceed to more invasive tests, such as biopsy, in individual patients.

Value of dual time point F-18 FDG-PET/CT imaging for the evaluation of prognosis and risk factors for recurrence in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy

PURPOSE

To investigate prognostic and risk factors for recurrence after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with stage I non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), focusing on dual time point [18]F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively evaluated 57 patients with stage I NSCLC (45 T1N0M0 and 12 T2N0M0) who had undergone pretreatment FDG-PET/CT and were subsequently treated with SBRT. All patients received a whole-body PET/CT scan at 60 min and a whole-lung at 120 min after the injection. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and retention index (RI) of the lesions were calculated. Local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and the recurrence pattern were evaluated. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate prognostic factors or risk factors of recurrence.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up period of 27 months, local recurrence, regional lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were seen in 17 (30%), 12 (21%), and 17 (30%) of the 57 patients, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rate was 63.4%. SUVmax did not affect any recurrence, DFS, OS, or CSS. RI significantly predicted higher distant metastasis (HR 47.546, p=0.026). In contrast, RI tended to predict lower local recurrence (HR 0.175, p=0.246) and regional lymph node metastasis (HR 0.109, p=0.115).

CONCLUSIONS

SUVmax at staging FDG-PET does not predict any recurrence, DFS, OS or CSS. In contrast, higher RI predicts higher distant metastasis and tended to predict lower local or regional lymph node metastasis.

Predictive value of metabolic 18FDG-PET response on outcomes in patients with locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to study the predictive value of combined 18F-fluoro-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and computerized tomography (FDG-PET-CT), on outcomes in locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma (LAPC) patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT).

METHODS

Thirty-two unresectable LAPC patients received 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy/fr) of RT and concurrent 5-FU followed by 4 to 6 cycles of gemcitabine consolidation. Response was evaluated by FDG-PET-CT at post-C-CRT 12-week. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the median difference between pre- and post-treatment maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) as an indicator of response for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 16.1 months, 16 (50.0%) patients experienced local/regional failures, 6 of which were detected on the first follow-up FDG-PET-CT. There were no marginal or isolated regional failures. Median pre- and post-treatment SUVmax and median difference were 14.5, 3.9, and -63.7%, respectively. Median overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local-regional progression-free survival (LRPFS) were 14.5, 7.3, and 10.3 months, respectively. Median OS, PFS, and LRPFS for those with greater (N = 16) versus lesser (N = 16) SUVmax change were 17.0 versus 9.8 (p = 0.001), 8.4 versus 3.8 (p = 0.005), and 12.3 versus 6.9 months (p = 0.02), respectively. On multivariate analysis, SUVmax difference was predictive of OS, PFS, and LRPFS, independent of existing covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly higher OS, PFS, and LRPFS in patients with greater SUVmax difference suggest that FDG-PET-CT-based metabolic response assessment is an independent predictor of clinical outcomes in LAPC patients treated with definitive C-CRT.

Pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers

Morphology-based imaging modalities have replaced classical conventional nuclear medicine modalities for detection of liver or pancreatic lesions. With positron emission tomography and the glucose analog F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), a sensitive and specific modality for the detection of hepatic metastases and extrahepatic tumor deposits from hepatocellular or pancreatic cancer is available. F-18 FDG PET can increase the accuracy of staging primary tumors of the liver or the pancreas, and can be used for response monitoring. Radiopharmaceuticals such as Ga-68 DOTATOC and F-18 DOPA allow the specific detection of neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors and their metastatic deposits. Hybrid scanners such as PET-CT integrate morphologic and metabolic information, and allow to increase the sensitivity and specificity of noninvasive imaging in many tumor entities. The development of specific radiopharmaceuticals and technical innovations such as SPECT-CT has increased the reliability of conventional scintigraphic imaging. This chapter focuses on the use of PET-CT in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.

Using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to monitor clinical outcomes in patients treated with neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States with 5-year survival ranging from 1% to 5%. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a metabolic imaging system that is widely used for the initial staging of cancer and detecting residual disease after treatment. There are limited data, however, on the use of this molecular imaging technique to assess early tumor response after treatment in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

The objective of the study was to explore the relationship of early treatment response using the F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET with surgical outcome and overall survival in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. FDG-PET measurements of maximum standardized uptake value and kinetic parameters were compared with the clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were enrolled in the study evaluating neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemo-RT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. All 20 patients had prestudy PET scans and a total of fifty PET scans were performed. Among patients who were PET responders (> or =50% decrease in standardized uptake value after cycle 1), 100% (2/2) had complete surgical resection. Only 6% (1/16) had surgical resection in the PET nonresponders (<50% decrease). Two patients did not have the second PET scan because of clinical progression or treatment toxicity. Mean survival was 23.2 months for PET responders and 11.3 months for nonresponders (P = 0.234). Similar differences in survival were also noted when response was measured using Patlak analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

FDG-PET can aid in monitoring the clinical outcome of patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemo-RT. FDG-PET may be used to aid patients who could have complete surgical resection as well as prognosticate patients' survival.

PET imaging of inflammation and adenocarcinoma xenografts using vascular adhesion protein 1 targeting peptide 68Ga-DOTAVAP-P1: comparison with 18F-FDG

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate inflammation and tumour imaging with a vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP-1) targeting peptide (68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 in comparison with (18)F-FDG.

METHODS

Rats with both subcutaneous human pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts and turpentine oil-induced acute sterile inflammation were evaluated by dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) and by digital autoradiography of tissue cryosections. Subsequently, the autoradiographs were combined with histological and immunohistological analysis of the sections.

RESULTS

(68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 delineated acute, sterile inflammation comparable with (18)F-FDG. However, the tumour uptake of (68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 was low in contrast to prominent (18)F-FDG uptake. The standardised uptake values of inflammation and tumours by PET were 1.1 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SEM) and 0.4 +/- 0.1 for (68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 and 2.0 +/- 0.5 and 1.6 +/- 0.8 for (18)F-FDG, respectively. In addition, PET studies showed inflammation to muscle and tumour to muscle ratios of 5.1 +/- 3.1 and 1.7 +/- 0.3 for (68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 and 6.2 +/- 0.7 and 4.6 +/- 2.2 for (18)F-FDG, respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased expression of luminal VAP-1 on the endothelium at the site of inflammation and low expression in the tumour

CONCLUSION

The (68)Ga-DOTAVAP-P1 PET was able to visualise inflammation better than tumour, which was in accordance with the luminal expression of VAP-1 on vasculature in these experimental models.

Prognostic value of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with extrahepatic bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND

(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is used in the differential diagnosis and staging of extrahepatic bile duct cancer (EBDC), but its prognostic value has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of FDG-PET in EBDC patients.

METHODS

The study included 73 consecutive patients with EBDC, of whom 48 underwent surgical resection for EBDC. The effects of clinicopathological factors including the standardized uptake value (SUV) of the primary lesion and lymph node metastasis detected by FDG-PET (PET-N) on overall survival were evaluated.

RESULTS

In all 73 patients, multivariate analysis showed that surgical resection (risk ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-5.35, P = 0.018) and the SUV (2.0, 1.07-3.91, P = 0.030) were independent predictors of survival. In the 48 patients who underwent surgical resection, multivariate analysis revealed that perineural invasion (risk ratio 3.2, 95% CI 1.28-7.93, P = 0.012), pathologic lymph node metastasis (3.4, 1.27-9.17, P = 0.015), and PET-N (4.0, 1.10-15.25, P = 0.036) were independent predictors of overall survival. In the 25 patients without surgical resection, the SUV showed a significant relationship with overall survival (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the SUV of the primary lesion is a useful prognostic factor in patients with EBDC, and the prognosis for patients with PET-N remains very poor despite surgical resection.

A prospective diagnostic accuracy study of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, multidetector row computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging in primary diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively compare the accuracy of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography using F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT), multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of patients with suspected pancreatic malignancy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

FDG-PET/CT imaging is increasingly used for staging of pancreatic cancer. Preliminary data suggest a significant influence of FDG-PET/CT on treatment planning, although its role is still evolving.

METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive patients with suspicion of pancreatic malignancy were enrolled. Patients underwent a protocol including FDG-PET/CT, MDCT, and MRI combined with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, all of which were blindly evaluated. The findings were confirmed macroscopically at operation and/or by histopathologic analysis (n = 29) or follow-up (n = 9). Results of TNM classification of different imaging methods were compared with clinical TNM classification.

RESULTS

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 17 patients, neuroendocrine tumor in 3, mass-forming pancreatitis in 4, cystic lesion in 6, and fibrosis in 2. Six patients had a finding of a normal pancreas. The diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for pancreatic malignancy was 89%, compared with 76% and 79% for MDCT and MRI, respectively. In the differential diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary stricture at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (n = 21), FDG-PET/CT had a positive predictive value of 92%. In 17 patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 30% for N- and 88% for M-staging. Both MDCT and MRI had sensitivities of 30% for N- and 38% for M-staging. Furthermore, the clinical management of 10 patients (26%) was altered after FDG-PET/CT.

CONCLUSION

FDG-PET/CT was more sensitive than conventional imaging in the diagnosis of both primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma and associated distant metastases. In contrast, the sensitivity of FDG-PET/CT was poor in detecting local lymph node metastasis, which would have been important for an assessment of resectability. We recommend the use of FDG-PET/CT in the evaluation of diagnostically challenging cases, especially in patients with biliary strictures without evidence of malignancy in conventional imaging.

Advanced pancreatic cancer: the use of the apparent diffusion coefficient to predict response to chemotherapy

The purpose of this study was to determine if the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) on diffusion-weighted MRI could predict the response of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy. Diffusion-weighted MRI was performed in 63 consecutive patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were subsequently treated with chemotherapy. The ADC values of the primary tumour with a middle b-value (400 s mm(-2)) and a high b-value (1000 s mm(-2)) were determined; cystic or necrotic components were avoided. The patients were classified into two groups: (i) those with progressive disease and (ii) those who were stable 3 months and 6 months after initial treatment. The groups were compared with respect to the ADC and clinical factors, including gender, age, Union International Contre le Cancer (UICC ) stage, initial tumour size and chemotherapy agents used. Local tumour progression rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The middle b-value ADC of the pancreatic cancers ranged from 0.93-2.42 x10(-3) mm(2) s(-1) (mean, 1.50 x10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)), and the high b-value ADC ranged from 0.72-1.88 x10(-3) mm(2) s(-1) (mean, 1.20 x10(-3) mm(2) s(-1)). The high b-value ADC was significantly different between the progressive and stable groups at 3 months' and 6 months' follow-up (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). The rate of tumour progression was significantly higher in those with a lower high b-value ADC than in those with a higher b-value ADC (median progression time, 140 days vs 182 days; p = 0.01). In conclusion, a lower high b-value ADC in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer may be predictive of early progression in chemotherapy-treated patients.

Detection of disease recurrence and monitoring of therapy

The detection of disease recurrence and treatment monitoring pose high demands on diagnostic modalities. Whereas serum marker levels in most cases allow an assessment of tumor load and a respective response to therapy, they do not confer information on the localization of disease. Although this diagnostic gap is filled by imaging modalities, most techniques based on morphology will come to a limit when fibrotic tissue alterations have to be differentiated from viable tumor tissue in case of suspected recurrence or when residual masses after chemotherapy have to be assessed. The metabolic information on tumor cells gained by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging appears not only to be more sensitive and reliable in this respect, but also appears to allow assumptions on response to therapy, and ultimately on patient prognosis.

Optimization of FDG-PET/CT imaging protocol for evaluation of patients with primary and metastatic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Accurate determination of the extrahepatic extent and intrahepatic distribution of disease is very important in patients with primary and metastatic liver disease for deciding whether a patient receives potentially curable surgery or palliative treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of delayed phase FDG-PET/CT imaging in lesion detection and to define its clinical impact compared to triple-phase contrast enhanced CT (CECT).

METHODS

30 patients underwent delayed phase FDG-PET/CT imaging (90 min whole body scan followed by a delayed abdominal scan at 120 min). Maximum standard uptake values (SUVs) and SUV ratios between tumor and normal liver parenchyma (T/N) were evaluated. In addition, comparison was made to CECT obtained within 10 days of the FDG-PET/CT to evaluate for lesion concordance within individual liver segments (Couinaud designation).

RESULTS

Sites of primary malignancies included: colorectal (19), breast (3), pancreas (2), lung (2), carcinoid (2), cholangiocarcinoma (1), and hepatocellular carcinoma (1). There was a significant increase in SUV value of liver lesions between early and delayed acquisition (P < 0.001). Although there was not a significant reduction in liver background activity between the two studies, there was a strong increase in T/N ratio (P < 0.001) allowing better lesion detection by visual inspection. New lesions were identified in 5 of the 30 patients, which were not appreciated on the early scan. Delayed phase FDG-PET/CT identified one lesion which was not present on the corresponding CECT. Delayed phase FDG-PET/CT revealed extrahepatic sites of metastases not appreciated on CECT in 6 patients.

CONCLUSION

Delayed phase FDG-PET/CT protocol improved lesion detectability in primary and metastatic liver disease, revealing new lesions in 17% of the patients. Moreover, FDG-PET/CT identified extrahepatic disease not seen on CECT in 20% of the patients.

Expression of glucose transporter-1, hexokinase-II, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and survival of patients with pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVES

18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been shown to be useful in diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer. However, the prognostic value of FDG-PET remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate relations between the factors suggested to be related to the FDG accumulation in tumor tissue, such as glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), hexokinase type-II (HK-II), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

METHODS

Histological specimen of pancreatic cancer obtained from seventy-four consecutive patients were evaluated for the expression of GLUT-1, HK-II, and PCNA by visual analysis of immunohistochemical staining of paraffin sections from the tumor specimens using anti-GLUT-1, anti-HK-II, and anti-PCNA antibody, respectively. The percentages of cells strongly expressing GLUT-1, HK-II and PCNA were scored on a 5-point scale (1 = 0-20 percent, 2 = 20-40 percent, 3 = 40-60 percent, 4 = 60-80 percent, 5 = 80-100 percent). After initial treatment, each patient was followed-up and survival time was recorded. Median survival curves of the patients with different levels of GLUT-1, HK-II, and PCNA expression were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical significance of the differences in survival was calculated with the log rank test.

RESULTS

Median survival of examined patients showed no relation with the levels of GLUT-1 expression, while patients with low expression of HK-II (HK-II index < 3) had significantly shorter survival than those with higher expression of HK-II (HK-II index >/= 3) (6.5 +/- 4.1 versus 12.9 +/- 22.4 months, respectively, p < 0.05). Median survival of examined patients also showed significant relations with the levels of PCNA expression. Patients with low expression of PCNA (PCNA index < 4) had significantly longer survival than those with higher expression of PCNA (PCNA index >/= 4) (11.9 +/- 20.1 versus, 5.8 +/- 10.8 months, respectively, p < 0.01):

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that the expression of GLUT-1 had no prognostic value in the examined patients with pancreatic cancer. On the other hand, high levels of HK-II expression and low levels of PCNA expression may allow accurate identification of the patient with longer survival who may benefit from intensive anticancer treatment.

Comparison of dynamic FDG-microPET study in a rabbit turpentine-induced inflammatory model and in a rabbit VX2 tumor model

PURPOSE

We investigated the optimum time for the differentiation tumor from inflammation using dynamic FDG-microPET scans obtained by a MicroPET P4 scanner in animal models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six rabbits with 92 inflammatory lesions that were induced 2, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days after 0.2 ml (Group 1) or 1.0 ml (Group 2) of turpentine oil injection were used as inflammatory models. Five rabbits with 10 VX2 tumors were used as the tumor model. Helical CT scans were performed before the PET studies. In the PET study, after 4 hours fasting, and following transmission scans and dynamic emission data acquisitions were performed until 2 hours after intravenous FDG injection. Images were reconstructed every 10 minutes using a filtered-back projection method. PET images were analyzed visually referring to CT images. For quantitative analysis, the inflammation-to-muscle (I/M) ratio and tumor-to-muscle (T/M) ratio were calculated after regions of interest were set in tumors and muscles referring to CT images and the time-I/M ratio and time-T/M ratio curves (TRCs) were prepared to show the change over time in these ratios. The histological appearance of both inflammatory lesions and tumor lesions were examined and compared with the CT and FDG-microPET images.

RESULTS

In visual and quantitative analysis, All the I/M ratios and the T/M ratios increased over time except that Day 60 of Group 1 showed an almost flat curve. The TRC of the T/M ratio showed a linear increasing curve over time, while that of the I/M ratios showed a parabolic increasing over time at the most. FDG uptake in the inflammatory lesions reflected the histological findings. For differentiating tumors from inflammatory lesions with the early image acquired at 40 min for dual-time imaging, the delayed image must be acquired 30 min after the early image, while imaging at 90 min or later after intravenous FDG injection was necessary in single-time-point imaging.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the possibility of shortening the overall testing time in clinical practice by adopting dual-time-point imaging rather than single-time-point imaging.

Preoperative positron emission tomography with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose is predictive of prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after resection

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) accumulate fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to various degrees. The standardized uptake values (SUVs) of FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) in high-grade HCCs are significantly higher than those in low-grade HCCs.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible usefulness of FDG-PET in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients after resection. We analyzed the relationship between the tumor to non-tumor SUV ratios (SUV ratio) and surgical outcome in 31 patients.

RESULTS

Of the 31 cases of HCC studied, seven (23%) exhibited SUV ratios greater than 2, as the cutoff value. The percentage of patients with poorly differentiated HCC was greater in the higher SUV ratio group (SUV ratio >2) than in the lower SUV ratio group (SUV ratio <2) (57 vs. 32%). The overall survival was significantly longer in the lower SUV ratio group than in the higher SUV ratio group (5-year-survival rate: 63 vs. 29% P = 0.006) (median survival time: 2310 vs.182 days).

CONCLUSION

The SUV ratio was related significantly to disease-related death as well as other predictive factors, including the number of tumors, the size, stage, and involvement of vessels, and the involvement of the capsule. Consequently, we conclude that the SUV ratio provides information of prognostic relevance in patients with HCC before surgery.