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Caldarella C, De Risi M, Massaccesi M, Miccichè F, Bussu F, Galli J, Rufini V, Leccisotti L. Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Current Evidence and Innovative Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1905. [PMID: 38791983 PMCID: PMC11119768 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in various clinical scenarios of head-neck squamous cell carcinoma, ranging from initial staging to treatment-response assessment, and post-therapy follow-up, with a focus on the current evidence, debated issues, and innovative applications. Methodological aspects and the most frequent pitfalls in head-neck imaging interpretation are described. In the initial work-up, 18F-FDG PET/CT is recommended in patients with metastatic cervical lymphadenectomy and occult primary tumor; moreover, it is a well-established imaging tool for detecting cervical nodal involvement, distant metastases, and synchronous primary tumors. Various 18F-FDG pre-treatment parameters show prognostic value in terms of disease progression and overall survival. In this scenario, an emerging role is played by radiomics and machine learning. For radiation-treatment planning, 18F-FDG PET/CT provides an accurate delineation of target volumes and treatment adaptation. Due to its high negative predictive value, 18F-FDG PET/CT, performed at least 12 weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy, can prevent unnecessary neck dissections. In addition to radiomics and machine learning, emerging applications include PET/MRI, which combines the high soft-tissue contrast of MRI with the metabolic information of PET, and the use of PET radiopharmaceuticals other than 18F-FDG, which can answer specific clinical needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelo Caldarella
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Radiology and Oncologic Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.D.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Marina De Risi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Radiology and Oncologic Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.D.R.); (L.L.)
| | - Mariangela Massaccesi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Radiology and Oncologic Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Miccichè
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Ospedale Isola Tiberina—Gemelli Isola, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bussu
- Otorhinolaryngology Operative Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Galli
- Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Sensory Organs and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Section of Otolaryngology, Department of Head-Neck and Sensory Organs, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rufini
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Radiology and Oncologic Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.D.R.); (L.L.)
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiological Sciences and Hematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Leccisotti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Radiology and Oncologic Radiotherapy, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (M.D.R.); (L.L.)
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiological Sciences and Hematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Zwittag P, Asel C, Gabriel M, Rubicz N, Bauer B, Poier-Fabian N. MRI and PET/CT in the assessment of lymph node metastases in head and neck cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19347. [PMID: 37935875 PMCID: PMC10630387 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46845-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to present the diagnostic accuracy of MRI and PET/CT in the evaluation of cervical lymph nodes in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Data of 114 patients who underwent MRI and PET/CT prior to surgery in the time period between January 2010 and September 2021 in our center is analyzed retrospectively. Histopathological results of surgical preparations serve as the gold standard. The mean time from MRI to surgery is 22.9 (± 18.7) days, and from PET/CT to surgery 21.7 (± 19.9) days. Sensitivities of 80.4% and 80.4%, specificities of 85.7% and 87.3%, PPVs of 82.0% and 83.7% and NPVs of 84.4% and 84.6% are registered for MRI and PET/CT, respectively. 37 false results are further analyzed with respect to side and level of the affected lymph node, as well as intersections of the two imaging modalities. In 29 patients (25.4%), additional findings are described in PET/CT, 7 (6.1%) of which were histologically confirmed to be further malignancies. A combination of both MRI and PET/CT imaging modalities could improve diagnostic accuracy, especially with regard to sensitivity. A notable number of additional findings in whole body acquisition leads to the potential diagnosis of further malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zwittag
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Christian Asel
- Department of Radiology, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Michael Gabriel
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Nina Rubicz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Belinda Bauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria
| | - Nikolaus Poier-Fabian
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4021, Linz, Austria.
- Medical Faculty, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria.
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Subramaniam RM, DeMora L, Yao M, Yom SS, Gillison M, Caudell JJ, Waldron J, Xia P, Chung CH, Truong MT, Echevarria M, Chan JW, Geiger JL, Mell L, Seaward S, Thorstad WL, Beitler JJ, Sultanem K, Blakaj D, Le QT. 18F-FDG PET/CT Prediction of Treatment Outcomes in Human Papillomavirus-Positive, Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer Patients Receiving Deintensified Therapy: Results from NRG-HN002. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:362-367. [PMID: 36215572 PMCID: PMC10071810 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.122.264424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of a 12- to 14-wk posttreatment PET/CT for 2-y progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional control (LRC) in patients with p16-positive locoregionally advanced oropharyngeal cancer (LA-OPC). Study was a secondary endpoint in NRG-HN002, a noncomparative phase II trial in p16-positive LA-OPC, stage T1-T2, N1-N2b or T3, N0-N2b, and ≤10 pack-year smoking. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to reduced-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with or without cisplatin. Methods: PET/CT scans were reviewed centrally. Tumor response evaluations for the primary site, right neck, and left neck were performed using a 5-point ordinal scale (Hopkins criteria). Overall scores were then assigned as negative, positive, or indeterminate. Patients with a negative score for all 3 evaluation sites were given an overall score of negative. The hypotheses were NPV for PFS and LRC at 2-y posttreatment ≤ 90% versus >90% (1-sided P value, 0.10). Results: A total of 316 patients were enrolled, of whom 306 were randomized and eligible. Of these, 131 (42.8%) patients consented to a posttherapy PET/CT, and 117 (89.3%) patients were eligible for PET/CT analysis. The median time from the end of treatment to PET/CT scan was 94 d (range, 52-139 d). Estimated 2-y PFS and LRC rates in the analysis subgroup were 91.3% (95% CI, 84.6, 95.8%) and 93.8% (95% CI, 87.6, 97.5%), respectively. Posttreatment scans were negative for residual tumor for 115 patients (98.3%) and positive for 2 patients (1.7%). NPV for 2-y PFS was 92.0% (90% lower confidence bound [LCB] 87.7%; P = 0.30) and for LRC was 94.5% (90% LCB 90.6%; P = 0.07). Conclusion: In the context of deintensification with reduced-dose radiation, the NPV of a 12- to 14-wk posttherapy PET/CT for 2-y LRC is estimated to be >90%, similar to that reported for patients receiving standard chemoradiation. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the NPV is >90% for PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rathan M Subramaniam
- Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand;
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lyudmila DeMora
- NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Min Yao
- University Hospitals Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sue S Yom
- University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Maura Gillison
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | - John Waldron
- Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Oneida, Canada
| | - Ping Xia
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | | | | | - Jason W Chan
- University of California, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Loren Mell
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, San Diego, California
| | - Samantha Seaward
- Kaiser Permanente NCI Community Oncology Research Program, Vallejo, California
| | - Wade L Thorstad
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - Diagjin Blakaj
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio; and
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Thorwarth D. Clinical use of positron emission tomography for radiotherapy planning - Medical physics considerations. Z Med Phys 2023; 33:13-21. [PMID: 36272949 PMCID: PMC10068574 DOI: 10.1016/j.zemedi.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PET/CT imaging plays an increasing role in radiotherapy treatment planning. The aim of this article was to identify the major use cases and technical as well as medical physics challenges during integration of these data into treatment planning. Dedicated aspects, such as (i) PET/CT-based radiotherapy simulation, (ii) PET-based target volume delineation, (iii) functional avoidance to optimized organ-at-risk sparing and (iv) functionally adapted individualized radiotherapy are discussed in this article. Furthermore, medical physics aspects to be taken into account are summarized and presented in form of check-lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Thorwarth
- Section for Biomedical Physics, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen; and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Guzmán Pérez-Carrillo GJ, Ivanidze J. PET/CT and PET/MR Imaging of the Post-treatment Head and Neck: Traps and Tips. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2021; 32:111-132. [PMID: 34809833 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PET/computed tomography and PET/MR imaging are used to evaluate the post-treatment neck. Although 18F-FDG is helpful in the staging and treatment response assessment of head and neck cancer, recently developed PET radiotracers targeting specific surface markers are promising for applications of diagnostic problem solving and improved extent delineation. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is helpful in the differential diagnosis of head and neck neoplasms, and improves the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of certain pathologies. Following standardized imaging parameters for PET/computed tomography and diffusion-weighted imaging in PET/MR imaging improves diagnostic accuracy and allows for future research data mining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria J Guzmán Pérez-Carrillo
- Neuroradiology Section, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway, Campus Box 8131, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Jana Ivanidze
- Division of Molecular Imaging & Therapeutics, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Starr Building, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, Starr Building, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Mihailovic J, Killeen RP, Duignan JA. PET/CT Variants and Pitfalls in Head and Neck Cancers Including Thyroid Cancer. Semin Nucl Med 2021; 51:419-440. [PMID: 33947603 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PET/CT imaging is a dual-modality diagnostic technology that merges metabolic and structural imaging. There are several currently available radiotracers, but 18F-FDG is the most commonly utilized due to its widespread availability. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a cornerstone of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma imaging. 68Ga-DOTA-TOC is another widely used radiotracer. It allows for whole-body imaging of cellular somatostatin receptors, commonly expressed by neuroendocrine tumors and is the standard of reference for the characterization and staging of neuroendocrine tumors. The normal biodistribution of these PET radiotracers as well as the technical aspects of image acquisition and inadequate patient preparation affect the quality of PET/CT imaging. In addition, normal variants, artifacts and incidental findings may impede accurate image interpretation and can potentially lead to misdiagnosis. In order to correctly interpret PET/CT imaging, it is necessary to have a comprehensive knowledge of the normal anatomy of the head and neck and to be cognizant of potential imaging pitfalls. The interpreter must be familiar with benign conditions which may accumulate radiotracer potentially mimicking neoplastic processes and also be aware of malignancies which can demonstrate low radiotracer uptake. Appropriate use of structural imaging with either CT, MR or ultrasound can serve a complimentary role in several head and neck pathologies including local tumor staging, detection of bone marrow involvement or perineural spread, and classification of thyroid nodules. It is important to be aware of the role of these complementary modalities to maximize diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. The purpose of this article is to outline the basic principles of PET/CT imaging, with a focus on 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTA PET/CT. Basic physiology, variant imaging appearances and potential pitfalls of image interpretation are presented within the context of common use cases of PET technology in patients with head and neck cancers and other pathologies, benign and malignant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Mihailovic
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia; Centre of Nuclear Medicine, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia.
| | - Ronan P Killeen
- Department of Radiology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD - SVUH PET CT Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - John A Duignan
- Department of Radiology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland; UCD - SVUH PET CT Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
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