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Wu CE, Liao YH, Wu CL, Yen RF, Lin CC, Yang MH, Yen CC, Su WC, Yen CJ, Chang YF, Wu MF, Yang Y, Lin CY, Yang WC, Wang HC, Li CY, Ho YY, Chang YY, Wu CS, Hsu HC, Chen KH, Huang Y, Chen CJ, Chuang PJ, Lai YC, Huang YY, Tseng NC, Huang YT, Chu CY, Wen-Cheng Chang J. Clinical practice consensus for the diagnosis and management of melanoma in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:7-15. [PMID: 37690868 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is rare in Taiwan. Asian melanoma is distinct from Western melanoma because acral and mucosal melanoma accounts for the majority of melanoma cases, leading to distinct tumor behaviors and genetic profiling. With consideration of the clinical guidelines in Western countries, Taiwanese experts developed a local clinical practice consensus guideline. This consensus includes diagnosis, staging, and surgical and systemic treatment, based only on clinical evidence, local epidemiology, and available resources evaluated by experts in Taiwan. This consensus emphasizes the importance of surgical management, particularly for sentinel lymph node biopsies. In addition, molecular testing for BRAF is mandatory for patients before systemic treatment. Furthermore, immunotherapy and targeted therapy are prioritized for systemic treatment. This consensus aimed to assist clinicians in Taiwan in diagnosing and treating patients according to available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiao-En Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Liao
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Lin Wu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ruoh-Fang Yen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Hwa Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chueh-Chuan Yen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Center for Immuno-oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Clinical Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chou Su
- Department of oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Department of oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan city, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Chang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Fang Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Youngsen Yang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yuan Lin
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Yang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Li
- Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Yu Ho
- Department of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Yu Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Shan Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Hua Chen
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yenlin Huang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jung Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ju Chuang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin County, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chi Lai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Feng Yuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung 420210, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yi Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Neng-Chuan Tseng
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University Medical College, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Chu
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - John Wen-Cheng Chang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
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Characterizing and quantifying low-value diagnostic imaging internationally: a scoping review. BMC Med Imaging 2022; 22:73. [PMID: 35448987 PMCID: PMC9022417 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-022-00798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inappropriate and wasteful use of health care resources is a common problem, constituting 10-34% of health services spending in the western world. Even though diagnostic imaging is vital for identifying correct diagnoses and administrating the right treatment, low-value imaging-in which the diagnostic test confers little to no clinical benefit-is common and contributes to inappropriate and wasteful use of health care resources. There is a lack of knowledge on the types and extent of low-value imaging. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to identify, characterize, and quantify the extent of low-value diagnostic imaging examinations for adults and children. METHODS A scoping review of the published literature was performed. Medline-Ovid, Embase-Ovid, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published from 2010 to September 2020. The search strategy was built from medical subject headings (Mesh) for Diagnostic imaging/Radiology OR Health service misuse/Medical overuse OR Procedures and Techniques Utilization/Facilities and Services Utilization. Articles in English, German, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian were included. RESULTS A total of 39,986 records were identified and, of these, 370 studies were included in the final synthesis. Eighty-four low-value imaging examinations were identified. Imaging of atraumatic pain, routine imaging in minor head injury, trauma, thrombosis, urolithiasis, after thoracic interventions, fracture follow-up and cancer staging/follow-up were the most frequently identified low-value imaging examinations. The proportion of low-value imaging varied between 2 and 100% inappropriate or unnecessary examinations. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive list of identified low-value radiological examinations for both adults and children are presented. Future research should focus on reasons for low-value imaging utilization and interventions to reduce the use of low-value imaging internationally. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42020208072.
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Bisschop C, de Heer E, Brouwers A, Hospers G, Jalving M. Rational use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma: A systematic review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 153:103044. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Albano D, Familiari D, Fornito MC, Scalisi S, Laudicella R, Galia M, Grassedonio E, Ruggeri A, Ganduscio G, Messina M, Spada M, Midiri M, Alongi P. Clinical and Prognostic Value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the Restaging Process of Recurrent Cutaneous Melanoma. Curr Radiopharm 2020; 13:42-47. [PMID: 31595860 DOI: 10.2174/1874471012666191009161826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies on 18F-FDG-PET/CT have investigated the prognostic role of this imaging modality in different tumors after treatment. Nevertheless, its role in restaging patients with recurrent CM still needs to be defined. OBJECTIVE The aim of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate the clinical and prognostic impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT on the restaging process of cutaneous melanoma (CM) after surgery in patients with suspected distant recurrent disease or suspected metastatic progression disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS 74 patients surgically treated for CM underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT for suspected distant recurrent disease or suspected metastatic progression disease. The diagnostic accuracy of visually interpreted 18F-FDG-PET/CT was obtained by considering histology (n=21 patients), other diagnostic imaging modalities performed within 2 months of PET/CT (CT in 52/74 patients and Whole-Body MRI in 18/74 patients) and clinical follow-up (n=74 patients) for at least 24 months containing all the clinical and diagnostic information useful for the PET performance assessment and outcome. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by using the Kaplan- Meier method. The risk of progression (Hazard Ratio-HR) was computed by the Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Suspicion of recurrent CM was confirmed in 24/27 patients with a positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 18F-FDG-PET/CT were 82%, 93%, 88%, 89%, and 89%, respectively, with area under the curve being 0.87 (95%IC 0.78-0.97; p<0.05). 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings significantly influenced the therapeutic management in 18 patients (modifying therapy in 10 patients; guiding surgery in 8 patients). After 2 years of follow-up, PFS was significantly longer in patients with a negative vs. a positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan (90% vs 46%, p<0.05; Fig. 1). Moreover, a negative scan was associated with a significantly longer OS than a positive one (76% vs 39% after 2 years, p<0.05; Fig. 2). In addition, a positive 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan was associated with an increased risk of disease progression (HR=8.2; p<0,05). CONCLUSION 18F-FDG-PET/CT showed a valuable diagnostic performance in patients with suspicion of recurrent CM. This imaging modality might have an important prognostic value in predicting the survival outcomes, assessing the risk of disease progression, and guiding treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Albano
- Unit of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via Riccardo Galeazzi 4, 20161 Milano, Italy
| | - Demetrio Familiari
- Nuclear Medicine Department A.R.N.A.S GARIBALDI - Nesima, Via Palermo 636, Catania, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Salvatore Hospital, Via Vetoio 1, L'aquila, Italy
| | - Maria C Fornito
- Nuclear Medicine Department A.R.N.A.S GARIBALDI - Nesima, Via Palermo 636, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Scalisi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Istituto G.Giglio, Ct.da Pietra Pollastra-pisciotto, Cefalu, Italy
| | - Riccardo Laudicella
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Unit, University of Messina, Messina ME, Italy
| | - Massimo Galia
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med., University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Grassedonio
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med., University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Ruggeri
- Nuclear Medicine Department A.R.N.A.S GARIBALDI - Nesima, Via Palermo 636, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Marco Messina
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione Istituto G.Giglio, Ct.da Pietra Pollastra-pisciotto, Cefalu, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Spada
- Unit of Oncology, Fondazione Istituto G.Giglio, Ct.da Pietra Pollastra-pisciotto, Cefalu, Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med., University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Alongi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Istituto G.Giglio, Ct.da Pietra Pollastra-pisciotto, Cefalu, Italy
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Lee HH, Paeng JC, Cheon GJ, Lee DS, Chung JK, Kang KW. Recurrence of Melanoma After Initial Treatment: Diagnostic Performance of FDG PET in Posttreatment Surveillance. Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 52:327-333. [PMID: 30344780 DOI: 10.1007/s13139-018-0537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In malignant melanoma, recurrence is often observed in distant areas from the primary site. While FDG PET is a sensitive imaging for detecting malignant lesions, the role of FDG PET in posttreatment surveillance period has not been investigated sufficiently. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of PET during posttreatment surveillance in melanoma. Methods A total of 76 melanoma patients who underwent FDG PET during surveillance period after completion of the first treatment were retrospectively enrolled. PET scans were grouped according to the purpose and clinical situations, routine surveillance, or evaluating clinical suspicion. Final diagnosis of recurrence was determined by complete clinical evaluation or long-term follow-up. In each situation, the diagnostic role of FDG PET was assessed. Results A total of 143 scans of 76 patients were analyzed: 51 for clinical suspicion and 92 for routine surveillance. In the clinical suspicion group, PET correctly diagnosed non-recurrence in 10 cases (20%). In routine surveillance group, 16 cases (17%) presented recurrence, all of which was correctly diagnosed on PET. NPV and PPV were 100% and 76%, respectively. In subgroup analysis, sensitivity and NPV were higher in the low-risk group (stages I-IIA) than in the high-risk group (stages IIB-IV), while specificity and PPV were higher in the high-risk group. Conclusion In conclusion, FDG PET is an effective diagnostic tool in posttreatment surveillance of melanoma. Even in cases without clinical suspicion, melanoma recurs in a considerable proportion of patients, which can be sensitively diagnosed on PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Hee Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
| | - Jin Chul Paeng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
| | - Gi Jeong Cheon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
| | - Dong Soo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
| | - June-Key Chung
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080 South Korea
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Harley SJ, Hoffmann R, Bartholomeusz D, Sutherland P, Chatterton B, Kitchener M, Takhar P, Tsopelas C, Fuller A, Wells R, Singh-Rai R, Bolt J. 18-Fluoride labeled sodium fluoride positron emission tomography with computer tomography: the impact of pretreatment staging in intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Prostate Int 2017; 6:50-54. [PMID: 29922632 PMCID: PMC6004619 DOI: 10.1016/j.prnil.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 18-Fluoride labeled sodium fluoride (Na-18-F) positron emission tomography with computer tomography (PET/CT) has a better sensitivity and specificity than whole body bone scan (WBBS) in detecting osseous metastatic prostate cancer. We performed a pilot study of 20 men to examine what level of impact Na-18-F PET/CT has on management plans when used for staging newly diagnosed prostate cancer. Materials and methods Twenty men were prospectively enrolled into the study in South Australia. Men were eligible if they had newly diagnosed, untreated, and biopsy-confirmed intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer (D'Amico classification). WBBS and Na-18-F PET/CT scans were performed within 1 week of each other. Following review of the WBBS, treatment type and intent was documented by the treating urologist. The Na-18-F PET/CT scan was then reviewed. The impact of the Na-18-F PET/CT was measured on whether treatment modality or intent was subsequently altered: high impact = treatment intent or modality was changed; medium impact = treatment modality was modified; low impact = no change in treatment. Results In 18 men (90%), the WBBS and Na-18-F PET/CT were negative for osseous metastases. In one man (5%), the WBBS demonstrated widespread osseous metastases which were similarly demonstrated on the Na-18-F PET/CT. One man (5%) had a normal WBBS; however, the Na-18-F PET/CT demonstrated widespread osseous metastases. Subsequently, in 19 men (95%), the results of the two scans were congruent and the addition of the Na-18-F PET/CT scan demonstrated a low impact on management. In one man (5%), the addition of the Na-18-F PET/CT had a high impact as treatment type and intent was altered. Conclusions Our pilot study is the first of its kind in Australia, and our findings suggest that Na-18-F PET/CT is a safe and feasible modality for staging prostate cancer. However, its true impact on prostate cancer management warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jd Harley
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Hoffmann
- Department of Urology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Dylan Bartholomeusz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Sutherland
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barry Chatterton
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Kitchener
- Dr Jones and Partners, Tennyson Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Prab Takhar
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Chris Tsopelas
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Fuller
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Wells
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Raj Singh-Rai
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John Bolt
- Department of Urology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Nia ES, Garland LL, Eshghi N, Nia BB, Avery RJ, Kuo PH. Incidence of Brain Metastases on Follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT Scans of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Should We Include the Brain? J Nucl Med Technol 2017; 45:193-197. [PMID: 28705927 DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.117.194571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain is the most common site of distant metastasis from lung cancer. Thus, MRI of the brain at initial staging is routinely performed, but if this examination is negative a follow-up examination is often not performed. This study evaluates the incidence of asymptomatic brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer patients detected on follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scans. Methods: In this Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective review, all vertex to thigh 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in patients with all subtypes of lung cancer from August 2014 to August 2016 were reviewed. A total of 1,175 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations in 363 patients were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included brain metastases on initial staging, histologic subtype of small-cell lung cancer, and no follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT examinations. After our exclusion criteria were applied, a total of 809 follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scans in 227 patients were included in the final analysis. The original report of each 18F-FDG PET/CT study was reviewed for the finding of brain metastasis. The finding of a new brain metastasis prompted a brain MRI, which was reviewed to determine the accuracy of the 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results: Five of 227 patients with 809 follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scans reviewed were found to have incidental brain metastases. The mean age of the patients with incidental brain metastasis was 68 y (range, 60-77 y). The mean time from initial diagnosis to time of detection of incidental brain metastasis was 36 mo (range, 15-66 mo). When MRI was used as the gold standard, our false-positive rate was zero. Conclusion: By including the entire head during follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT scans of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, brain metastases can be detected earlier while still asymptomatic. But, given the additional scan time, radiation, and low incidence of new brain metastases in asymptomatic patients, the cost-to-benefit ratio should be weighed by each institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Nia
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Linda L Garland
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and
| | | | - Benjamin B Nia
- College of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Ryan J Avery
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Phillip H Kuo
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.,Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; and
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