Influence of pathological nodal status and maximal standardized uptake value of the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes on treatment plans in patients with advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Postradiotherapy Response Assessment Using 18F-FDG PET/CT in Salivary Gland Carcinoma-A Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

This multicenter study investigates the efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT in postradiotherapy (post-RT) response evaluation in salivary gland carcinoma (SGC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 115 SGC patients who underwent definitive or adjuvant RT followed by 18F-FDG PET/CT between 2004 and 2021. Most tumors were parotid gland malignancies (50%). The most common histological subtypes were adenoid cystic (29%) and mucoepidermoid carcinomas (18%).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 65 months. Post-RT anatomic images (CT/MRI) revealed complete response (CR) in 51 patients (44%). Among 53 patients with partial response or stable disease, only 17 (32%) patients experienced locoregional recurrence, with a 5-year locoregional control rate of 69%. Post-RT 18F-FDG PET/CT documented metabolic CR in 81 patients (70%). Metabolic complete responders had significantly higher 5-year locoregional control (90% vs 43%), distant metastasis-free survival (80% vs 48%), progression-free survival (76% vs 24%), and overall survival rates (89% vs 42%) compared with non-complete responders (all P < 0.001), as confirmed in both univariate and multivariate analyses. It identified additional viable tumors in 18 cases (16%) and facilitated salvage local therapies in 7 patients (6%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of post-RT 18F-FDG PET/CT were 63%, 91%, 70%, 88%, and 84%, respectively, in predicting locoregional recurrence. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed significantly higher sensitivity (88% vs 36%, P = 0.011) in tumors with pre-RT SUVmax ≥7.39 compared with those with SUVmax <7.39.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-RT 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates high negative predictive value and specificity, with metabolic CR predicting excellent outcomes. Additionally, it exhibits higher sensitivity for high-SUVmax SGC, facilitating early detection of viable tumors.

Prognostic Utility of Neck Lymph Node-to-Primary Tumor Standardized Uptake Value Ratio in Oral Cavity Cancer

We investigated the prognostic utility of preoperative neck lymph node-to-primary tumor maximum standardized uptake value ratios (NTRs) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 141 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as having OSCC and had received fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography within 2 weeks prior to radical surgery between 2009 and 2018. To determine the optimal NTR cutoff, receiver operating characteristic analysis for overall survival (OS) was executed. The NTR's prognostic value for disease-free survival (DFS) and OS were determined through Cox proportional hazards analysis and the Kaplan-Meier method. We determined the median (range) follow-up duration to be 35.2 (2.1-122.4) months. The optimal NTR cutoff was 0.273, and patients with a higher NTR (≥0.273) exhibited significantly worse DFS and OS (p = 0.010 and 0.003, respectively). A higher NTR (≥0.273) predicted poorer DFS (hazard ratio: 2.696, p = 0.008) and OS (hazard ratio: 4.865, p = 0.003) in multivariable analysis. We created a nomogram on the basis of the NTR, and it could accurately predict OS (concordance index: 0.774). Preoperative NTRs may be a useful prognostic biomarker for DFS and OS in patients with OSCC who have undergone surgery. NTR-based nomograms may also be helpful prognostic tools in clinical trials.

Prognostic value of pre-treatment maximum standardized uptake value and CRP in radiotherapy of esophageal cancer

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the pre-treatment maximum standardized uptake value (SUV_max) and CRP in patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. A retrospective review of 69 consecutive patients with esophageal cancer who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy between 2013 and 2016 was performed. The total radiotherapy doses were 50, 50.4 or 60 Gy. The endpoints of the present study were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The median follow-up for censored cases was 45.7 months. In 56 patients, ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was performed within 1 month prior to chemoradiotherapy. Data on CRP within 1 month prior to chemoradiotherapy were available for all patients. In the group of SUV_max >12.85, the rates of 2-year OS and DFS were 49.0 and 35.7%, respectively. In the group of SUV_max ≤12.85, these values were 72.4 and 67.1%, respectively (P=0.048 and P=0.057, respectively). In the group of CRP ≥1 mg/dl, these percentages were 38.5 and 25.0%, respectively. In the group of CRP <1 mg/dl, these rates were 71.2 and 59.7%, respectively (P=0.013 and P<0.001, respectively). A multivariate analysis revealed that pre-treatment serum CRP levels remained an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS [OS: hazard ratio (HR), 0.25, P=001; DFS: HR, 0.28, P=0.005]. In conclusion, high SUV_max was associated with lower OS, while high CRP was associated with lower OS and DFS.

Prediction of distant metastases in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck using DWI and DCE-MRI

BACKGROUND

The primary purpose was to evaluate the prognostic potential of diffusion imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in predicting distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) patients. The secondary aim was to examine differences in DWI and DCE-MRI-derived parameters on the basis of human papilloma virus (HPV) status, differentiation grade, and nodal stage of HNSCC.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients underwent pretreatment DWI and DCE-MRI. Patients were divided into groups who subsequently did (n = 12) or did not develop distant metastases (n = 44). Median values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), volume transfer constant (K^trans ), and mean intracellular water-lifetime (τ_i ) and volume were computed from metastatic lymph nodes and were compared between two groups. Prognostic utility of HPV status, differentiation grading, and nodal staging was also evaluated both in isolation or in combination with MRI parameters in distinguishing patients with and without distant metastases. Additionally, MRI parameters were compared between two groups based on dichotomous HPV status, differentiation grade, and nodal stage.

RESULTS

Lower but not significantly different K^trans (0.51 ± 0.15 minute^-1 vs 0.60 ± 0.05 minute^-1 ) and not significantly different τ_i (0.13 ± 0.03 second vs 0.19 ± 0.02 second) were observed in patients who developed distant metastases than those who did not. Additionally, no significant differences in ADC or volume were found. τ_i, was the best parameter in discriminating two groups with moderate sensitivity (67%) and specificity (61.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses did not improve the overall prognostic performance for combination of all variables. A trend toward higher τ_i was observed in HPV-positive patients than those with HPV-negative patients. Also, a trend toward higher K^trans was observed in poorly differentiated HNSCCs than those with moderately differentiated HNSCCs.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment DCE-MRI may be useful in predicting distant metastases in HNSCC.

A combined analysis of maximum standardized uptake value on FDG-PET, genetic markers, and clinicopathological risk factors in the prognostic stratification of patients with resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Clinical outcomes of patients with resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) chiefly depend on the presence of specific clinicopathological risk factors (RFs). Here, we performed a combined analysis of FDG-PET, genetic markers, and clinicopathological RFs in an effort to improve prognostic stratification.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 2036 consecutive patients with first primary OCSCC who underwent surgery between 1996 and 2016. Of them, 345 underwent ultra-deep targeted sequencing (UDTS, between 1996 and 2011) and 168 whole exome sequencing (WES, between 2007 and 2016). Preoperative FDG-PET imaging was performed in 1135 patients from 2001 to 2016. Complete data on FDG-PET, genetic markers, and clinicopathological RFs were available for 327 patients.

RESULTS

Using log-ranked tests based on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), the optimal cutoff points for maximum standardized uptake values (SUV-max) of the primary tumor and neck metastatic nodes were 22.8 and 9.7, respectively. The 5-year DFS rates were as follows: SUVtumor-max ≥ 22.8 or SUVnodal-max ≥ 9.7 (n = 77) versus SUVtumor-max < 22.8 and SUVnodal-max < 9.7 (n = 250), 32%/62%, P < 0.001; positive UDTS or WES gene panel (n = 64) versus negative (n = 263), 25%/62%, P < 0.001; pN3b (n = 165) versus pN1-2 (n = 162), 42%/68%, P < 0.001. On multivariate analyses, SUVtumor-max ≥ 22.8 or SUVnodal-max ≥ 9.7, a positive UDTS/WES gene panel, and pN3b disease were identified as independent prognosticators for 5-year outcomes. Based on these variables, we devised a scoring system that identified four distinct prognostic groups. The 5-year rates for patients with a score from 0 to 3 were as follows: loco-regional control, 80%/67%/47%/24% (P < 0.001); distant metastases, 13%/23%/55%/92% (P < 0.001); DFS, 74%/58%/28%/7% (P < 0.001); and disease-specific survival, 80%/64%/35%/7% (P < 0.001) respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined assessment of tumor and nodal SUV-max, genetic markers, and pathological node status may refine the prognostic stratification of OCSCC patients.

Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET parameters and inflammation in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between positron emission tomography (PET) parameters and peripheral inflammatory markers, and assess their prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of 121 patients with non-disseminated NPC were recruited. Pretreatment maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of PET and peripheral inflammatory factors (leukocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors for progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The results of the present study revealed that SUVmax at the primary tumor was positively correlated with leukocytes (P=0.025), neutrophils (P=0.009) and monocytes (P=0.043). SUVmax at regional lymph nodes (SUVmax-N) was significantly associated with monocytes (P=0.024). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that SUVmax-N (>10.15) significantly predicted PFS (P=0.004) and DMFS (P=0.003). In addition, neutrophils (>5.18) were significantly associated with PFS (P=0.001), DMFS (P=0.013) and LRFS (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that SUVmax-N and neutrophils retained independent prognostic significance for PFS (SUVmax-N, P=0.026; and neutrophils, P=0.033) and DMFS (SUVmax-N, P=0.026; and neutrophils, P=0.032). Furthermore, patients with SUVmax-N ≤10.15 and neutrophils ≤5.18 had significantly improved prognosis in PFS (96.4 vs. 58.5%, P<0.001), OS (95.7 vs. 81.1%, P=0.044), DMFS (96.4 vs. 67.0%, P<0.001) and LRFS (100 vs. 90.2%, P=0.036) compared with those with SUVmax-N >10.15 or neutrophils >5.18. In conclusion, SUVmax may be significantly associated with cancer-associated inflammation. SUVmax-N and neutrophils were independent prognostic indicators for PFS and DMFS. Combined assessment of SUVmax-N and neutrophils may lead to refinement of risk stratification in NPC.

Prognostic Stratification of Patients With Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prognosis of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma remains a challenge for clinicians despite progress in its diagnosis and treatment over the past decades. In this review, we assessed clinicopathological factors and potential biomarkers along with their prognostic relevance in an attempt to develop optimal treatment strategies for these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to several pathologic factors that have been proposed to improve prognostic stratification and treatment planning in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee staging manual on cancer, we reviewed some other imaging and clinicopathological parameters demonstrated to be closely associated with patient prognosis, along with the biomarkers related to novel target or immune therapy. Evaluation of current literature regarding the prognostic stratification used in contemporary clinicopathological studies and progress in the development of targeted or immune therapy may help these patients benefit from tailored and personalized treatment and obtain better oncological results.

18FDG SUV in the primary tumor and lymph node metastases is not predictive for development of distant metastases in high risk head and neck cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Pretreatment screening on distant metastases is particularly useful in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with high risk factors.

METHODS

In a retrospective study of 88 patients with previously identified clinical high risk factors the predictive value of standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in the primary tumor and in the lymph node metastases for the development of distant metastases was examined. Different SUVs corrected for plasma glucose levels and body mass index were calculated and analysed in different patient groups: all patients (n=88), patients with a follow up >6months (n=73), not previously treated patients (n=51) and not previously treated patients with a follow up >6months (n=40).

RESULTS

Twenty-four of the 88 (27%) high risk HNSCC patients were diagnosed with distant metastases during screening and follow up. No correlation was found between different SUVs of the primary tumor and lymph nodes metastases and the development of distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

SUVs of primary tumor and lymph node on FDG-PET are not predictive for distant metastases in a (selected) group of patients with already high risk factors for distant metastases.

Clinicopathological determinants of positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value in head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although positron emission tomography computed tomography has proven diagnostic and staging value in head and neck carcinoma, it does not have optimal sensitivity or specificity. The positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value has been shown to be associated with carcinoma stage. This study evaluated the impact of major clinicopathological factors on the standardised uptake value at the primary site and at neck lymph node metastases.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and forty-three oral cavity and laryngopharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent positron emission tomography computed tomography were included. Correlation between the positron emission tomography computed tomography standardised uptake value and various clinicopathological factors was analysed.

RESULTS

A positive correlation was found between the standardised uptake value and the size and depth of tumour infiltration, and lymph node positivity. Higher standardised uptake values were seen for more advanced tumour stages. The presence of perineural invasion, lymphatic invasion and extracapsular spread were all associated with increased standardised uptake values.

CONCLUSION

Most of the clinicopathological features of head and neck carcinoma which are well known to be poor prognostic factors have a significant impact on positron emission tomography computed tomography fluorodeoxyglucose standardised uptake value.

Pre-treatment levels of C-reactive protein and squamous cell carcinoma antigen for predicting the aggressiveness of pharyngolaryngeal carcinoma

The levels of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to predict tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, staging and survival in patients with oral cavity cancer. The present study analyzed the relationship between pre-treatment levels of SCC-Ag and CRP in relation to clinicopathological factors in patients with pharyngolaryngeal cancer (PLC) and determined whether elevated levels of CRP and SCC-Ag were associated with tumor metabolic activity via [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). We retrospectively recruited one hundred and six PLC patients between June 2008 and December 2011. All patients received computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and FDG-PET staging analyses, and the serum levels of SCC-Ag and CRP in these patients were measured prior to treatment. A SCC-Ag level ≥2.0 ng/ml and a CRP level ≥5.0 mg/L were significantly associated with clinical stage (P<0.001), clinical tumor status (P<0.001), and clinical nodal status (P<0.001). The elevation of both SCC-Ag and CRP levels was correlated with the standardized uptake value (SUV) max of the tumor (≥8.6 mg/L) and lymph nodes (≥5.7 ng/ml) (P = 0.019). The present study demonstrated that the presence of high levels of both pre-treatment SCC-Ag and CRP acts as a predictor of clinical stage, clinical tumor status, and clinical nodal status in patients with PLC. Moreover, elevated levels of SCC-Ag and CRP were associated with a high metabolic rate as well as the proliferative activity measured according to the SUVmax of the tumor and lymph nodes. Therefore, elevated levels of these two factors have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the prediction of tumor aggressiveness in cases of PLC.

The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic tumour volume in predicting survival in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of PET-derived imaging markers in predicting metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 56 patients with metastatic NPC were enrolled. Before treatment, all of the participants underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT. The following (18)F-FDG PET parameters were assessed: standardised uptake value, metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the independent predictors of survival.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis showed that performance status>1 (P=0.007), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA titre>5000 copies/mL (P=0.001), and MTV>110 mL (P=0.013) were independent risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Male sex (P=0.004), performance status>1 (P<0.0001), EBV DNA level>5000 copies/mL (P<0.0001), and MTV>110 mL (P=0.003) independently predicted overall survival (OS). The 2-year PFS and OS rates of the patients with MTV≤110 mL were 23.2% and 43%, respectively, compared with 0% and 9.1%, respectively, for those with MTV>110 mL. Combining the MTV with the EBV DNA titre allowed further survival stratification by dividing the patients into three groups with distinct PFS (2-year rates=30.8%, 7.1%, and 0%, P<0.0001) and OS (2-year rates=68.4%, 40%, and 0%, P<0.0001) rates.

CONCLUSION

The MTV appears to be an independent risk factor in metastatic NPC patients. This factor is complementary to the EBV DNA titre for predicting survival in metastatic NPC.

The Application of FDG-PET as Prognostic Indicators in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This article discusses the role of FDG-PETederived parameters as prognostic indicators in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The basic underlying biology of FDG-PET scans and the quantitative information that can be derived are discussed. A review of the literature is performed. Potential applications in the management of head and neck cancer and future directions in clinical trials are discussed.

Impact of a second FDG PET scan before adjuvant therapy for the early detection of residual/relapsing tumours in high-risk patients with oral cavity cancer and pathological extracapsular spread

PURPOSE

Extracapsular spread (ECS) to the cervical lymph nodes is a major adverse prognostic factor in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We prospectively examined the value of FDG PET immediately before postoperative radiotherapy/concurrent chemoradiotherapy (pre-RT/CCRT PET) to detect residual/relapsing disease in the early postsurgical follow-up period in high-risk OSCC patients with ECS.

METHODS

We examined 183 high-risk OSCC patients with ECS who underwent preoperative FDG PET/CT for staging purposes. Of these patients, 29 underwent a second pre-RT/CCRT FDG PET/CT scan. The clinical utility of the second FDG PET/CT was examined using Kaplan-Meier curve analysis.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent the second FDG PET/CT scan had baseline clinicopathological characteristics similar to those who did not undergo a second scan. Of the patients who underwent the second scan, seven (24 %) had unexpected, newly discovered lesions. Five eventually died of the disease, and two had no evidence of recurrence after a change in RT field and dose. In an event-based analysis at 2 months, rates of neck control (6/29 vs. 6/154, p = 0.001), distant metastases (3/29 vs. 4/154, p = 0.046), and disease-free survival (7/29 vs. 10/154, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in patients who received a second PET scan than in those who did not. The second pre-RT/CCRT PET scan was of particular benefit for detecting new lesions in OSCC patients with both ECS and lymph node standardized uptake value (SUV) of ≥ 5.2 in the first PET scan.

CONCLUSION

The present findings support the clinical value of pre-RT/CCRT FDG PET for defining treatment strategy in OSCC patients with both ECS and high nodal SUV, even when FDG PET had already been performed during the initial staging work-up.