Prediction of Recurrence and Mortality of Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer Patients Using Pretreatment F-18 FDG PET/CT Parameters: Intratumoral Heterogeneity, SUV, and Volumetric Parameters

The application of radiomics in esophageal cancer: Predicting the response after neoadjuvant therapy

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the fatal malignant neoplasms worldwide. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) combined with surgery has become the standard treatment for locally advanced EC. However, the treatment efficacy for patients with EC who received NAT varies from patient to patient. Currently, the evaluation of efficacy after NAT for EC lacks accurate and uniform criteria. Radiomics is a multi-parameter quantitative approach for developing medical imaging in the era of precision medicine and has provided a novel view of medical images. As a non-invasive image analysis method, radiomics is an inevitable trend in NAT efficacy prediction and prognosis classification of EC by analyzing the high-throughput imaging features of lesions extracted from medical images. In this literature review, we discuss the definition and workflow of radiomics, the advances in efficacy prediction after NAT, and the current application of radiomics for predicting efficacy after NAT.

Evaluation of the 18F-FDG-PET/CT uptake association with pathological and immunohistochemistry features in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to analyze the association between 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake and histologic panel in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 26 patients with histologically confirmed esophageal, gastroesophageal junction and gastric adenocarcinoma that have been submitted to pretreatment FDG-PET/CT. We collected the cancer tissue sample of each patient and performed immunohistochemical analyses of the glucose transport protein 1 (GLUT-1), Ki-67, cysteine aspartate-specific proteinases (Caspase)-3 and hexokinase-1, and evaluated the association of these parameters with FDG uptake. The FDG uptake was measured by tumor standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG). Besides, we analyzed the association of FDG uptake and tumor location, Lauren's histologic subtype, grade of cellular differentiation and intratumoral inflammatory infiltrate.

RESULTS

We found a positive association between GLUT-1 with SUV and TLG, Caspase-3 and SUV and inflammation grade with SUV.

CONCLUSION

Tumor inflammation infiltrate, GLUT-1 and Caspase-3 correlated with 18F-FDG uptake in PET/CT in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. These findings may help understand the pathologic PET/CT significance in cancer. Understanding the meaning of the 18F-FDG uptake in the field of tumor histologic and immunohistochemistry features is essential to allow the evolution of PET/CT application in esophageal and gastric carcinomas.

Geometrical Comparison and Quantitative Evaluation of 18F-FDG PET/CT- and DW-MRI-Based Target Delineation Before and During Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the geometrical differences in and metabolic parameters of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT) and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) performed before and during radiotherapy (RT) for patients with esophageal cancer based on the three-dimensional CT (3DCT) medium and explore whether the high signal area derived from DW-MRI can be used as a tool for an individualized definition of the volume in need of dose escalation for esophageal squamous cancer.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-two patients with esophageal squamous cancer sequentially underwent repeated 3DCT, ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT, and enhanced MRI before the initiation of RT and after the 15th fraction. All images were fused with 3DCT images through deformable registration. The gross tumor volume (GTV) was delineated based on PET Edge on the first and second PET-CT images and defined as GTV_PETpre and GTV_PETdur, respectively. GTV_DWIpre and GTV_DWIdur were delineated on the first and second DWI and corresponding T₂-weighted MRI (T₂W-MRI)-fused images. The maximum, mean, and peak standardized uptake values (SUVs; SUV_max, SUV_mean, and SUV_peak, respectively); metabolic tumor volume (MTV); and total lesion glycolysis(TLG) and its relative changes were calculated automatically on PET. Similarly, the minimum and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC; ADC_min and ADC_mean) and its relative changes were measured manually using ADC maps.

Results

The volume of GTV_CT exhibited a significant positive correlation with that of GTV_PET and GTV_DWI (both p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed in both ADCs and ¹⁸F-FDG PET metabolic parameters before and during RT (both p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between SUVs and ADCs before and during RT (p = 0.072–0.944) and between ∆ADCs and ∆SUVs (p = 0.238–0.854). The conformity index and degree of inclusion of GTV_PETpre to GTV_DWIpre were significantly higher than those of GTV_PETdur to GTV_DWIdur (both p < 0.001). The maximum diameter shrinkage rate (∆LD_DWI) (24%) and the tumor volume shrinkage rate (VRR_DWI) (60%) based on DW-MRI during RT were significantly greater than the corresponding PET-based ∆LD_PET (14%) and VRR_PET (41%) rates (p = 0.017 and 0.000, respectively).

Conclusion

Based on the medium of CT images, there are significant differences in spatial position, biometabolic characteristics, and the tumor shrinkage rate for GTVs derived from ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT and DW-MRI before and during RT for esophageal squamous cancer. Further studies are needed to determine if DW-MRI will be used as tool for an individualized definition of the volume in need of dose escalation.

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer

AIM

To determine the utility of [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 22.4 months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deaths. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

Baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell cancer

AIM

To determine the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT quantitative parameters as prognostic factors for the response to neoadjuvant treatment, progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty patients (29 men) diagnosed with SCC were retrospectively evaluated over a 6-year interval. Metabolic parameters were determined: maximum SUV (SUVmax), mean SUV (SUVmed), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from baseline PET/CT study. After treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, response to treatment and patient survival were assessed. The comparison of parameters between groups of responders and non-responders was carried out using a Mann-Whitney U test. ROC curves and the Kaplan-Meier method were used for analysis of prognostic factors and survival curves.

RESULTS

The average follow-up was 22.4months, with 22 recurrence-progressions and 25 deads. Significant differences were demonstrated between responders and non-responders with respect to tumor size, MTV and TLG. Survival analysis found significant differences for SCE and CSS depending on these three parameters.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic parameters MTV and TLG, and tumor size were prognostic factors for neoadjuvant treatment response, PFS, and CSS in patients diagnosed with SCC. Neither SUVmax nor SUVmed were predictive for any of the evaluation criteria. Results could help to personalize patient treatment.

Efficacy of cell proliferation imaging with 4DST PET/CT for predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer: a comparison study with FDG PET/CT

PURPOSE

4'-[Methyl-11C] thiothymidine (4DST) incorporates into DNA directly and is a PET tracer used for cell proliferation imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prediction of prognosis with pretreatment 4DST PET/CT compared to fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT in patients with esophageal cancer.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we analyzed 46 patients (68.2 ± 10.0 years old) with pathologically proven esophageal squamous cell cancer who underwent pretreatment 4DST and FDG PET/CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and total lesion proliferation (TLP) were measured for FDG and 4DST PET. The study endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients' clinical backgrounds, including age, histological type, clinical stage, and surgical treatment, were adjusted using the Cox proportional-hazards model.

RESULTS

In the follow-up period (median 18.8 (interquartile range: 10.1-29.0) months), 26 and 19 patients showed disease progression and cancer-related death, respectively. After adjusting for clinical variables, only the 4DST parameters (SUVmax (p = 0.001) and TLP (p = 0.022)) were statistically significant for predicting PFS. FDG MTV (p = 0.031), 4DST SUVmax (p = 0.022), and TLP (p = 0.023) were statistically significant for predicting OS. Of the PET parameters, 4DST SUVmax yielded the highest adjusted hazard ratio for both PFS (4.88, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.83-12.97) and OS (4.19, 95% CI: 1.23-14.20).

CONCLUSION

Higher accumulation of 4DST in the primary tumor may lead to shorter OS and PFS. 4DST PET/CT is useful for predicting prognosis and may outperform FDG PET/CT.

Intratumoral Metabolic Heterogeneity and Other Quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT Parameters for Prognosis Prediction in Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity (IMH) and other quantitative fluorine 18 (¹⁸F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT parameters for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with esophageal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, an automated gradient-based segmentation method was used to assess the maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and IMH index of the primary tumor in patients with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus with an initial staging ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT. Data were collected between July 2006 and February 2016. OS and PFS were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression with the adjustment (as covariates) of age, sex, weight, stage, tumor type, tumor grade, and treatment. All PET parameters were standardized before analysis. Log-rank tests were performed, and corresponding Kaplan-Meier survival plots were generated.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients (mean age, 64 years ± 10 [standard deviation], 62:9 men:women) were included. Median follow-up time was 28.2 months (range, 4-38 months), and median survival was 16.1 months (range, 0.1-60.3 months). Higher MTV was associated with reduced PFS for every standard deviation increase (hazard ratio [HR], 0.193; 95% CI: 0.052, 0.711; P = .01). Higher IMH was associated with reduced PFS for every standard deviation decrease in the area under the curve (HR, 10.78; 95% CI: 1.31, 88.96; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

PFS for patients with esophageal cancer was associated with MTV and with IMH.Keywords: Esophagus, Neoplasms-Primary, PET/CT, Tumor Response © RSNA, 2020.

Prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography metabolic parameters measured in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes before neoadjuvant therapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) metabolic parameters are prognostic indicators in several neoplasms. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the maximum and average standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVavg), metabolic tumor value (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) measured in the primary tumor and suspicious lymph nodes preneoadjuvant therapy in patients submitted to surgical resection for esophageal cancer.

METHODS

A cohort of 113 patients with esophageal cancer who performed 18F-FDG PET/CT preneoadjuvant therapy was assessed. The association of the SUV, MTV, and TLG measured in the primary tumor and in the suspicious lymph nodes with the overall survival was assessed. It was also analyzed other potentially confounding variables such as age, sex, clinical stage, and histologic subtype. The analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and Cox regression.

RESULTS

The univariate analyses showed that the MTV and TLG in the primary tumor, the SUV in the suspicious lymph nodes, the age, the histologic subtype, and the clinical stage were associated with survival after surgery (P ≤ 0.05). In the Cox regression multivariate analyses, all variables identified in the univariate analyses but the clinical stage were associated with survival after surgery (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In esophageal cancer patients, some of the 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters measured in the primary tumor and in the suspicious lymph nodes before the neoadjuvant therapy are independent indicators of overall survival and appear to be more important than the clinical stage in the prognostic definition of this group of patients.

The PET-Derived Tumor-to-Liver Standard Uptake Ratio (SUV TLR ) Is Superior to Tumor SUVmax in Predicting Tumor Response and Survival After Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

Background: The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) derived from ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) have some well-known shortcomings in predicting treatment response and prognosis in oncology. The standardized SUVmax with an appropriate reference background may overcome this problem in some instances. This study explored the prognostic value of the tumor-to-liver SUVmax ratio (SUV_TLR) and the tumor-to-blood pool SUVmax ratio (SUV_TBR) in predicting the objective response (OR) and overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 128 newly diagnosed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who were treated with CCRT. The SUVmax of primary tumor, SUV_TLR, SUV_TBR and clinicopathologic features data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the predictors of tumor response. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that SUV_TLR was superior to SUVmax and SUV_TBR in predicting treatment response. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that advanced tumor stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 9.67; 95% CI: 1.15-81.28; P = 0.037) and high SUV_TLR (HR = 21.92; 95% CI: 2.26-212.96; P = 0.008) were independent predictors of poor treatment response. Cox regression analysis showed that good clinical tumor response (p < 0.014, HR =0.501; 95% CI: 0.288–0.871) was a favorable independent predictive factor for OS, while an advanced tumor stage (p = 0.018, HR = 1.796; 95% CI: 1.107-2.915) and a high SUV_TLR (p < 0.002, HR = 2.660; 95% CI: 1.425–4.967) were prognostic factors for poor OS. The median OS of patients in the low SUV_TLR and high SUV_TLR groups was 13.47 vs. 19.30 months, respectively.

Conclusions: PET-derived SUV_TLR is superior to tumor SUVmax and SUV_TBR in predicting treatment response and overall survival in patients with ESCC undergoing CCRT. High SUV_TLR was an independent predictor of poor treatment response and shorter overall survival.

Role of precision imaging in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent advancements in the management of esophageal cancer have allowed for earlier detection, improved ability to monitor progression, and superior treatment options. These innovations allow treatment teams to formulate more customized management plans and have led to an increase in patient survival rates. For example, in order for the most effective management plan to be constructed, accurate staging must be performed to determine tumor resectability. This article reviews the multimodality imaging approach involved in making a diagnosis, staging, evaluating treatment response and detecting recurrence in esophageal cancer.

Prediction of lymph node metastasis by PET/CT metabolic parameters in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT)-related metabolic parameters to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) and occult lymph node metastasis (OLNM) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

Totally 84 patients undergoing curative esophagectomy with lymph node dissection were enrolled in this study. Metabolic tumor volume (MTV) was measured using threshold-based methods with a threshold of 40% maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). The derivative of the volume (V)-threshold (T) function (volume difference/threshold difference) was defined as the heterogeneity factor (HF). In addition, SUVmax, SUVmean, total lesion glycolysis (TLG), maximum tumor-to-blood SUV ratio (SURmax), SURmean and several clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed to identify risk factors of LNM and OLNM.

RESULTS

SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, TLG, SURmax, SURmean and HF were significantly different between LNM (+) and LNM (-). The optimal cut-off values of those parameters were 12.5, 8.34, 15.01, 117.185, 7.885, 4.855 and 0.300, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that MTV (OR = 1.127, P = 0.04) and SURmax (OR = 1.446, P = 0.004) were independent predictors of LNM, with sensitivity and specificity were 51.2%, 83.7% vs. 53.7%, 79.1%. In univariate and multivariate analysis, MTV was the sole parameter associated with OLMN (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

MTV and SURmax were statistically significant predictors of LNM in patients with ESCC, while MTV was a predictor of OLNM. High SURmax and MTV may indicate that the treatment planning should be tailored, which may improve patient prognosis.

18F-FDG-PET/CT Imaging in Advanced Glottic Cancer: A Tool for Clinical Decision in Comparison with Conventional Imaging

This study assessed the role of ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT (PET/CT) to detect the cartilage and paraglottic infiltration in advanced glottic cancer comparing the results with those of conventional imaging (CI) (contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance). In addition, we assessed the prognostic value of quantitative parameters, measured on baseline PET/CT, in terms of event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). We retrospectively analyzed 27 patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma stage III and IVA, treated in our institute between 2010 and 2016, comparing PET/CT, performed for staging and radiotherapy planning, and CI findings. Cohen's K was used to compare concordance between PET/CT and CI. Imaging findings were correlated with endoscopic evaluation and histological reports (gold standard (GS)). All lesions shown by CI were also detected by PET/CT imaging, and in 5 cases, a better definition of local infiltration was achieved with PET/CT than CI (5 CT). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PET/CT and CT were 95%, 86%, and 93% and 70%, 86%, and 74% for, respectively. MRI showed sensitivity and specificity of 100%. One false-negative (FN) cases and 1 false-positive (FP) case were observed with PET/CT with no difference compared to MRI (10 cases). Six FN cases and 1 FP case were observed with CT. Cohen's K was 0.60 (PET vs. CI) and 0.80 (PET vs. GS). Patients were followed-up for at least 24 months to calculate EFS and OS. 13 local recurrence and 7 deaths were recorded. Among quantitative PET parameters, baseline MTV was the most powerful predictor of outcome. Our data suggest a reliable sensitivity and accuracy of PET/CT in the evaluation of local extension, proving a useful method for initial local staging in addition to the well-established role in lymph-node and distant sites assessment. Furthermore, pretreatment MTV provides better prognostic information than other PET/CT parameters.

Prognostic value of SUR in patients with trimodality treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma

The prognosis of patients with esophageal carcinoma remains dismal despite ongoing efforts to improve treatment options. For locally advanced tumors, several randomized trials have shown the benefit of neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery compared to surgery alone. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the prognostic value of different baseline positron emission tomography (PET) parameters and their potentially additional prognostic impact at the end of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Furthermore, the standard uptake ratio (SUR) as a new parameter for quantification of tumor metabolism was compared to the conventional PET parameters metabolic active volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and standardized uptake value (SUV) taking into account known basic parameters. Methods:18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed in 76 consecutive patients ((60±10) years, 71 males) with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer before and during the last week of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. MTV of the primary tumor was delineated with an adaptive threshold method. The blood SUV was determined by manually delineating the aorta in the low dose CT. SUR values were computed as scan time corrected ratio of tumor SUVmax and mean blood SUV. Univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis with respect to locoregional control (LRC), freedom from distant metastases (FFDM), and overall survival (OS) was performed. Additionally, independence of PET parameters from standard clinical factors was analyzed with multivariate Cox regression. Results: In multivariate analysis two parameters showed a significant correlation with all endpoints: restaging MTV and restaging SUR. Furthermore, restaging TLG was prognostic for LCR and FFDM. For all endpoints the largest effect size was found for restaging SUR. The only basic factors remaining significant in multivariate analyses were histology for OS and FFDM and age for LRC. Conclusion: PET provides independent prognostic information for OS, LRC, and FFDM in addition to standard clinical parameters in this patient cohort. Our results suggest that the prognostic value of tracer uptake can be improved when characterized by SUR rather than by SUV. Overall, our investigation revealed a higher prognostic value of restaging parameters compared to baseline PET; therapy-adjustments would still be possible at this point of time. Further investigations are required to confirm these hypothesis-generating results.

18F-FDG PET as novel imaging biomarker for disease progression after ablation therapy in colorectal liver metastases

Purpose

Recurrent disease following thermal ablation therapy is a frequently reported problem. Preoperative identification of patients with high risk of recurrent disease might enable individualized treatment based on patients’ risk profile. The aim of the present work was to investigate the role of metabolic parameters derived from the pre-ablation ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT as imaging biomarkers for recurrent disease in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

Included in this retrospective study were all consecutive patients with CLM treated with percutaneous or open thermal ablation therapy who had a pre-treatment baseline ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT available. Multivariable cox regression for survival analysis was performed using different models for the metabolic parameters (SUL_peak, SUL_mean, SUL_max, partial volume corrected SUL_mean (cSUL_mean), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)) corrected for tumour and procedure characteristics. The study endpoints were defined as local tumour progression free survival (LTP-FS), new intrahepatic recurrence free survival (NHR-FS) and extrahepatic recurrence free survival (EHR-FS). Clinical and imaging follow-up data was used as the reference standard.

Results

Fifty-four patients with 90 lesions were selected. Univariable cox regression analysis resulted in eight models. Multivariable analysis revealed that after adjusting for lesion size and the approach of the procedure, none of the metabolic parameters were associated with LTP-FS or EHR-FS. Percutaneous approach was significantly associated with a shorter LTP-FS. It was demonstrated that lower values of SUL_peak, SUL_max, SUL_mean , and cSUL_mean are associated with a significant better NHR-FS, independent of the lesion size and number and prior chemotherapy.

Conclusion

We found no association between the metabolic parameters on pre-ablation ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT and the LTP-FS. However, low values of the metabolic parameters were significantly associated with improved NHR-FS. The clinical implication of these findings might be the identification of high-risk patients who might benefit most from adjuvant or combined treatment strategies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00259-017-3637-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.