Utility of F-FDG PET/CT in follow-up of patients with low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary

Objective

Ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC) is a rare and indolent tumor. The utility of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in monitoring patients with LGSC has not been established. We assessed the accuracy and clinical impact of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in patients with ovarian LGSC after initial treatment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with ovarian LGSC who had undergone ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans during follow-up after primary treatment. The impact of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT on the management plan was assessed. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT findings in the detection of recurrence were calculated. Total lesion glycolysis (TLG) was determined to assess metabolic activity of tumors. Potential prognostic factors for disease-free and overall survival after recurrence were assessed.

Results

Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis, 39 with recurrent disease and 9 without recurrence. A total of 91 ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans were performed, and 30% of these (27/91) had an impact on the management plan. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in the detection of LGSC recurrence were 94%, 100%, and 97%, respectively, for ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT; 89%, 95%, and 93%,respectively, for CT; and 68%, 89%, and 73%, respectively, for serum CA-125. There was no significant difference in sensitivity between PET/CT and CT. Survival after recurrence was poorer in patients with a TLG value greater than 67.7 g.

Conclusions

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT may provide useful information during the follow-up of patients with LGSC after initial treatment. TLG may be a predictor of survival after recurrence.